Most of us have experienced that awful feeling when the blue and red lights of a police car unexpectedly appear in the rearview mirror. You check your speed and then hope like anything that the officer passes you. But today, unfortunately, you are the one ticketed for speeding and -- tough as it is to admit it -- you know the fine you received is legitimate and now you must accept the penalty.

In a few weeks, you receive a letter from PennDOT informing you that your license has been assigned two points. Not every traffic violation results in points; sometimes you’ll just get a warning or pay a fine for a minor offense.

What exactly does it mean to have points on your license? PennDOT keeps a record of every driver in Pennsylvania in efforts to correct the habits of those who might be dangerous to cars around them. If you acquire six or more points, correctional actions will be taken against you. A required written exam will be issued, covering knowledge of safe driving practices, departmental sanctions, and related safety issues. Failure to complete the exam within 30 days will result in a suspended license.

When any driving record reaches six or more points for a second time, the driver will be mandated to attend a Departmental Hearing, where his or her record will be reviewed, and the Department will mandate either a 15-day license suspension or a special on-road driver’s test.
 

What kind of traffic violations result in points on your license? Tailgating, believe it or not, can land you three points. Failure to make a complete stop at a stop sign- three points. Failure to stop at least 10 feet behind a school bus when its red lights are flashing- five points.
 

If caught driving recklessly enough, it is possible to have your license immediately suspended. Violations like this include: driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fleeing from an officer, failure to stop after being involved in an accident, or racing another car on the highway.