Point system (driving)

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Many countries have adopted a penalty point or demerit point system, under which a person's driving license is revoked or suspended based on the number of points they have accumulated over a specific period of time. Points are given for any traffic offenses and infringements committed over this time period. The demerit points scheme of each jurisdiction may vary, and are usually carried out in addition to fines or other penalties.

Under these schemes, a driver licensing authority, police force, or other authorised person/s keeps a record of the demerit points accumulated by drivers. Points may be added or subtracted, depending on the rules of each scheme. When the prescribed point threshold is reached or exceeded, the person's license is usually revoked or suspended for a defined time, or until other conditions are met. After the license suspension period has expired, the previous demerit points are cancelled. The primary purpose of such point systems is to identify, determine, and penalize repeat traffic offenders, while streamlining the legal process.