Virginia: Full Rule Record
Confirm with your court or DMV. Traffic-code rules change and vary by court — verify the current rule on Virginia’s official .gov page or with the court handling your citation before you act. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Virginia drivers convicted of traffic violations can reduce points on their driving record through a point reduction mechanism. The state permits point reduction once every 24 months. Completion of an approved defensive driving course results in a five-point reduction on a driver's record.
Because Virginia does not set uniform statewide costs or course hour requirements, these figures vary by provider and court jurisdiction. Drivers seeking point reduction should consult the state's official DMV resources and approved course providers in their area to obtain accurate pricing and course duration information for their specific situation. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles maintains current information on approved providers and point reduction procedures on its official website.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| State | Virginia |
| Mechanism | Point reduction |
| What that means | removes/credits points; conviction stays |
| Eligibility / notes | Voluntary DMV-approved Driver Improvement Clinic adds 5 safe-driving points (Virginia uses a +/- demerit/safe-point system). |
| Frequency | once / 24 months |
| Points effect | +5 safe-driving points |
| Governing statute | Va. Code § 46.2-490.1 |
| Confidence | High |
Primary source: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/. Verified June 2026. How we compile this.
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