TICKET DISMISSAL AND REINSTATEMENT

UNDER AGE 18 SUSPENSION

Effective January 1, 2002, drivers under 18 years of age who accumulate four or more points in a 12-month period will have their driving privileges suspended for six months. Completion of this six-hour Defensive Driving Program is required prior to restoration of driving privileges.

UNDER AGE 21 SUSPENSION

Individuals under 21 years old will have their driver’s license suspended for a minimum of six months for the conviction of ONE moving violation if the violation results in the assessment of four or more points. Most individuals affected by this law have been convicted of speeding 24 m.p.h. or more over the speed limit. Prior to restoration of their driving privileges, the driver must complete this six-hour DDS licensed course.

POINTS REDUCTION

Under another Georgia law, drivers may take the 6 hour course, once every five years, and reduce up to seven points off their driving record. The Department of Driver Services will often notify a driver of the availability of this program, prior to accumulating enough points to lose their drivers license.

INSURANCE DISCOUNTS

Individuals 25 years of age or older, who have a clean driving record for the previous three years and take the six-hour program shall be eligible, pursuant to O.C.G.A. 33-9-42, to obtain not less than a 10% discount on their automobile insurance premium. This discount is valid for the next three years. Often couples, who are the two named drivers on an insurance policy, will take this program together to qualify for the joint insurance discount.

Many private companies, both in Georgia and throughout the country, have a requirement that their employees, who operate a company vehicle or their own vehicle on behalf of their company, take this course once a year or once every three years to meet company policy.