Why Should I Care About This Driver Record Baloney?
First of all, it’s spelled B-O-L-O-G-N-A. Second, if you have racked up too many negligent driver points, your license will either be suspended or revoked by the DOR. You can apply for a new license at the end of this period, and hopefully you’ve changed your ways by then. Oh, sure, it starts with a few minor traffic violations here and there, but before you know it you’ll be committing grand larceny, bank fraud, and/or treason. We just don’t want to start seeing your name in the paper. Unless it’s for inventing some useful electronic gadget, or winning a peace prize. That would be pretty cool.
Each time you have a mark on your record, it stays there for 36 months (or longer, if you did something really shady). Your license can be suspended for 30 days if you accumulate 8 points within an 18-month period. It can be revoked for one year if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months. If you can put up 30 points in 42 minutes, you’ll probably make tonight’s highlight reel on ESPN.
Like a Vandal in the Wind
If you absolutely must destroy something, either break a pencil or beat up on your pillow. It’s far too costly to be caught doing anything worse, such as spray-painting graffiti onto the side of a bridge or keying your ex-boyfriend’s Mustang. If already licensed, you can lose your license for a couple years; if you’re not there yet, you can have the issuance of your license delayed for several years. And you’re going to need your license, because it sounds like you’ll have to be doing a lot of running from the authorities.
Here are a few examples of what can get you points on your driving record:
3-pointers
- Speeding
- Any shot made from beyond the 3-point arc
4-pointers
- Careless & Imprudent driving
- Knowingly allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a vehicle
- Rear-ending someone important, like Chris Carpenter
12-pointers
- Driving 11-14mph over the posted speed limit
20-pointers
- A felony involving a motor vehicle
- Obtaining a driver license by misrepresentation
- Operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license