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 five years (or longer, if you did something really shady). Your license can 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.

Here are a few examples of what can get you points on your driving record:

2-pointers

• Parking on a highway in a traffic lane

• Defective odometer

3-pointers

• Prohibited or illegal turn

• Speeding up to 10mph over the posted speed limit

• Failure to signal

• Illegal passing

• Driving the wrong way on a one way street

• Any shot made from beyond the 3-point arc

4-pointers

• Speeding 11-19mph over the posted speed limit

• Failure to stop for a school bus when red lights are flashing

• Inattentive driving

• Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle

• Failure to yield the right-of-way

• Driving too fast for conditions

6-pointers

• Speeding 20mph or more over the posted speed limit

• Reckless driving or racing

• Attempting to elude an officer

• Operating under the influence of intoxicant or drugs