Why Should I Care About This Driver Record Baloney?

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 DMV. 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 like drink and drive). Your license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points within a 12-month period. 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:

1-pointers

• Speeding 1-10mph over the posted speed limit

2-pointers

• Speeding 11-20mph over the posted speed limit
• Driving too fast for the conditions
• Impeding traffic/driving too slowly
• Failure to dim headlights

3-pointers

• Speeding 21-30mph over the posted speed limit
• Any shot made from beyond the 3-point arc

4-pointers

• Speeding 31-40mpg over the posted speed limit
• Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian
• Following too closely

5-pointers

• Speeding 41mph or more over the posted speed limit

6-pointers

• Failure to give information or render aid at the scene of an accident
• Careless driving

8-pointers

• Reckless driving