# How many points is your ticket, and what will insurance do?

Title: California DMV Points and Insurance: What a Ticket Does
URL: https://californiaticketlawyerhelp.com/tickets/points-and-insurance/
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13

> Most California moving violations add 1 point; DUI, reckless driving and speeding over 100 mph add 2 points. A point count above the statute's limit can cost you the Good Driver Discount, and insurers may raise your rate.

## Check your points

[Vehicle Code 12810](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=12810) assigns point values to convictions.

| Conviction | Points |
| --- | --- |
| Any other moving-violation conviction | 1 point |
| Speeding over 100 mph, VC 22348(b) | 2 points |
| DUI, reckless driving, driving while suspended | 2 points |
| At-fault accident | 1 point |

Only one violation per occasion is counted, under subsection (j). The statewide 2026 bail schedule lists 1 point for red light subsections 21453(a), (b) and (c); see [CVC 21453](https://californiaticketlawyerhelp.com/codes/21453-red-light/). Confirm any count the schedule and the statute leave unclear with the court or DMV.

## When do points trigger DMV action?

Under [Vehicle Code 12810.5](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=12810.5)(a), the DMV acts on point counts within set windows:

| Window | Level II: notice of intent to suspend | Level III: probation with a six-month suspension |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 12 months | 3 points | 4 points |
| 24 months | 5 points | 6 points |
| 36 months | 7 points | 8 points |

A Level III order takes effect 34 days after the DMV mails it.

Read the [negligent operator hearing](https://californiaticketlawyerhelp.com/tickets/negligent-operator-hearing/) page next.

## What insurers do with a point

Insurers set their own rates and rules. No court schedule or DMV page lists how much a point changes a premium, so this page gives no percentage. Ask your insurer how a conviction would affect your rate, and compare that with your ticket total in the [ticket cost estimator](https://californiaticketlawyerhelp.com/tools/ticket-cost/).

## The Good Driver Discount rule

[Insurance Code 1861.025](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=1861.025) says you qualify if you have been licensed for the previous three years and, in that period, you have not:

- Had more than one violation point count under Vehicle Code 12810, with modifications the statute lists.
- Had more than one dismissal under Vehicle Code [1803.5](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=1803.5).
- Been the driver in a crash with bodily injury or death where you were principally at fault.

## Commercial licenses

Under [Vehicle Code 12810.5](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=12810.5)(b), each point for a violation in a vehicle requiring a class A or B license is valued at 1.5 times. See [CDL ticket rules](https://californiaticketlawyerhelp.com/tickets/commercial-drivers/).

## Keep the point off

Two routes can change what a ticket does:

- **Traffic school.** The Sacramento court says completing school records the conviction but masks the point. Eligibility rules apply.
- **Contest.** Points come from convictions under Vehicle Code 12810, so the outcome of the case matters.

Compare them on the [traffic school vs. contest](https://californiaticketlawyerhelp.com/tickets/traffic-school-vs-contest/) page.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long do points last in California?

The DMV says convictions stay on your record for 36 months or longer, depending on the type of conviction. Separately, the DMV counts points inside 12, 24 and 36 month windows for negligent operator action. Ask the DMV about the conviction on your ticket.

### How do I check my DMV points?

Your points come from convictions on your DMV record. Ask the DMV how to request a copy of your record. You can also count them yourself with the table above, using each conviction date and the 12, 24 and 36 month windows.

### Does one ticket raise my insurance?

It can. Insurers set their own rates, and no court schedule or DMV page lists the change, so this page gives no percentage. Your own change depends on your insurer and your record. Ask your insurer how a conviction would affect your premium before you choose to pay.

## Sources

- [DMV Driver Handbook, points on your driver record](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont2/)
- [DMV, Negligent operator actions](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/dmv-safety-guidelines-actions/negligence/negligent-operator-actions/)
- [Vehicle Code 12810, points (leginfo)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=12810)
- [Vehicle Code 12810.5, negligent operator (leginfo)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=12810.5)
- [Insurance Code 1861.025, Good Driver Discount (leginfo)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=1861.025)
- [Sacramento Superior Court, Traffic ticket options](https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/divisions/traffic/ticket-options)
- [Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule, 2026 (Orange County Superior Court edition)](https://www.occourts.org/system/files/criminal/uniform-bail-and-penalty-schedule-orange-county-edition.pdf)