Anyone who has a driver's license should be aware of the driver's license points system for his state. Most states (but not all) operate a points system to track dangerous or careless drivers. Points, sometimes known as demerits, can be placed on a license for driving offenses for anything from getting stopped for a moving traffic violation to hazardous driving to littering. Points can also be given after a car accident (to the party at fault, of course). It's important to keep your point balance low. As you acquire points, you place yourself in danger of losing your driver's license. The DMV has the right to suspend or revoke your driving privileges if you accumulate a certain number of points over a set period of time. Accumulating points on your driving record is costly. Your insurance premiums will go up based entirely on the specific number of points on your record, again the net result of your points could amount to thousands of dollars in additional premiums. See Auto Insurance Directory

Here are some tips on how to reduce points on a driver's license:

Go to court to fight a traffic violation accusation.
If you have been ticketed for a minor traffic offense that you believe you did not commit, don't just concede and pay the fine. Go to court to defend yourself. Many times the ticketing police officer is counting on you not showing up. By going to court it shows that you mean business and you may be able to have the offense, the fine and the resulting points erased from your record. Payment of the fine is not enough to deal with the point issue. Points will be placed on your driving record for almost all driving infractions.

For more serious infractions
- If your violation has serious consequences it is imperative that you retain an attorney prior to doing anything. Examples are -
# Driving Over 100 mph.
# Driving On a Suspended License
# Hit & Run
# Reckless Driving
# DUI / DWI
# DMV Hearings / Suspensions
# Warrants

A lot of people assume they were guilty when they got a ticket. This is not necessarily true. You can plead not guilty and attempt to fight the charge in court. Preparation is the key to victory in court and techniques such as taking pictures, contacting witnesses, and creating diagrams will go a long way in convincing the court of your side of the story. Hiring counsel to help present your defense may be one of the best ways to assure a victory. Depending on the infraction, in some cases a single violation can cause you to lose your driver's license, what are you willing to pay to keep you driver's license?

Take a traffic safety course.
The successful completion of a course from one of the approved traffic schools in your area may prevent violations from damaging your driving record. While in many cases a course just might get a traffic ticket dismissed, attending traffic school can also enhance your driving knowledge and skill level, and it may increase your overall safety awareness so that you, your family, and other drivers can be safer on the roads. Many states offer traffic safety or defensive driving courses. - See Traffic School Directory for a list of approved online traffic schools. Sometimes these courses are mandatory if a driver displays habitual careless driving habits. In addition, some states offer online defensive driving courses, which make it very easy to complete the course requirements. A successful completion of an approved Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving course may result in a reduction of some of your points. Once you complete and pass an approved traffic safety course, the DMV should be notified -- DMV Directory and you can request a copy of your driving record to check the status of your points. Keep in mind that many states will only allow you to take a driver's safety course for points reduction once every 18 months.

Drive Safely - Don't break the law
Over time, points will disappear from your record. If you are diligent about driving safely and don't allow any more points to be placed on your record, the old points will eventually be removed from your record. In some states, this can happen in as little as one year. Remember that safe driving is the only way to ensure that your record will stay clean. Finally, the rules and regulations regarding driver's license points vary greatly from state to state.

HOW TO ACT WHEN
STOPPED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

            If you do get stopped minimize the possibilty of getting a ticket - BEHAVE
TRAFFIC STOP BEHAVIOR - Your attitude and actions when you are stopped may well make the difference between a warning and a ticket.

It may be difficult, but your attitude and actions when you are stopped may well make the difference between a warning and a ticket. While the officer is with you, try to maintain a peaceful / cooperative attitude. You can yell, scream etc. later. While there is no guarantee that following these suggestions will get you off with a warning, failure to heed them will greatly increase the probability of a ticket.

RESPECT THE OFFICER AT ALL TIMES. Failure to do so will get you a ticket faster than anything else. Even if he/she is wrong, he/she has the badge, the gun and the citation book.

If possible, HAVE A PLEASANT ATTITUDE. You must deal with the situation one way or the other. Your attitude can make a big difference for both you and the officer. How that difference is made and the outcome is your choice. TRY to behave.

STOP AS SOON AS IT IS SAFE once you see that the officer is attempting to pull you over. Failure to do so shows disrespect which will not help, and may be very counter-productive.

TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE. This reassures the officer that you do not intend to leave suddenly.

Once stopped, KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL, IN PLAIN SIGHT.You should turn off your radio/tape player/CD and lights before putting your hands on the wheel at 10 and 2. Having your hands in plain sight and resting on the wheel is a sign of respect and reassures the officer that he/she is not risking his/her life by approaching your car. You can get your license, registration and proof of insurance out if and when the officer asks for them.

DO NOT VOLUNTEER ANY INFORMATION. Anything you say may be used against you in court. Conversely, listen closely to the officer and note what he/she says; you may be able to use it in your defense in court.

Check with the Department of Motor Vehicles for your state for a complete listing of offenses and points that could affect your driving record and insurance premiums.