Most states penalize drivers who violate traffic and criminal laws while operating a motor vehicle by restricting, suspending, or revoking the driver’s license. For example, a state may suspend a driver’s license upon refusal to submit to a blood or breath test when suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when a driver is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
And most states have a traffic ticket points system that assigns points to traffic offenses—with more serious offenses receiving more points. The points a driver accumulates become a part of the driver’s record with the state and a specified number of points will lead to greater driver’s license penalties—including suspension of the driver’s license—as well as higher insurance premiums charged by insurance companies.
The use and structure of traffic ticket point systems vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.
In Georgia, drivers who commit traffic violations or criminal offenses while operating a motor vehicle can face license restrictions, suspensions, or revocations. For instance, Georgia law mandates the suspension of a driver's license if the driver refuses to submit to a blood or breath test under suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) or if convicted of DUI. Georgia operates a points system, where traffic offenses are assigned points based on the severity of the violation. Accumulating points on one's driving record can lead to penalties such as license suspension and increased insurance premiums. The specifics of the points system, including the number of points for each offense and the threshold for penalties, are outlined in Georgia's state statutes. Drivers in Georgia can also expect points to impact their driving record for a period of time, influencing both legal consequences and insurance costs.