The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) uses a point system to track driving violations. Understanding your record is crucial for keeping your license and managing your insurance rates.
This guide will show you how to check your driving record and, most importantly, provide a clear, accurate explanation of what happens when you get points.
How to Check Your PA Driving Record (Online)
The only way to “check your points” is to order your official Driver History Record. This record shows your violations, and you will have to add the points up.
Important: The online record you buy does not show a simple total like “You have 5 points.” It shows the violations you were convicted of. Here is the step-by-step process to get your record:
Step 1: Go to the official PennDOT Driver History website: [https://appsca.pwp.pa.gov/idr]
Step 2: Read the terms and click the checkbox to certify you are requesting your own record.
Step 3: Enter your Driver’s License Number, Date of Birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
Step 4: Choose the type of record you want. The “3-Year Driver Record” is the standard for checking points and insurance.
Step 5: Pay the non-refundable $11.00 fee with a debit or credit card.
Step 6: After payment, you will be able to immediately download your Driver Record as a PDF file. Save this file to your computer.
What Happens When You Get 6 Points in PA? (The Real Rules)
This is the most confusing part of the PA system. The penalty for hitting 6 points is different each time.
First Time Reaching 6 Points
You are not suspended.
- You will receive a written notice from PennDOT.
- You must take and pass a Special Written Point Examination within 30 days.
- Result: When you pass, 2 points are removed from your record.
- Penalty: If you fail to show up or pass the exam within 30 days, your license will be suspended.
Second Time Reaching 6 Points
You are not automatically suspended.
- You will receive a notice to attend a PennDOT Departmental Hearing.
- A hearing examiner will review your record.
- Result: The examiner will likely order a 15-day license suspension.
- Penalty: If you fail to attend the hearing, your license will be suspended for 60 days.
Third (or more) Time Reaching 6 Points
- You must attend another PennDOT Departmental Hearing.
- Result: The hearing examiner will order a 30-day license suspension.
- Penalty: If you fail to attend, your license will be suspended until you do.
Other Point System Rules You MUST Know
- Automatic Suspension (11+ Points): If you accumulate 11 or more points at any time, your license will be automatically suspended. The length depends on your history (5 days per point for a first suspension).
- Drivers Under 18: The rules are much stricter. A driver under 18 will be suspended for 90 days if they accumulate 6 or more points OR for a single conviction of driving 26 mph or more over the speed limit.
- Speeding in a Work Zone: A conviction for driving 11 mph or more over the speed limit in an active work zonewill result of a 15-day license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You cannot “pay” to remove points. PennDOT will automatically remove 3 points from your record for every 12 consecutive months you go without a new violation (and without your license being suspended/revoked).
Yes, absolutely. Insurance companies check your driving record to set your rates. More points and violations (especially serious ones) will lead to higher premiums.
6-10 mph over: 2 points
11-15 mph over: 3 points
16-25 mph over: 4 points
26-30 mph over: 5 points
31+ mph over: 5 points (and you must attend a Departmental Hearing)
No. PennDOT does not add points for a DUI. Instead, a DUI conviction carries its ownsevere penalties, including a mandatory license suspension, heavy fines, and possible jail time.
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