David J. Muñoz | February 13, 2026 | Car Accidents

Motorists in San Diego often wonder how long a traffic ticket will continue to affect them. This question usually comes up after a citation leads to points being added to their driving record by the California DMV. Many people assume that these points drop off relatively quickly, but that is not always the case under state law.

How long the points will stay ultimately depends on the type of violation involved. Many offenses can follow you for several years and could impact your insurance premiums and driving privileges during that time. Continue reading to learn more about how California’s point system works and what you can do to protect your legal rights. Our San Diego car accident lawyers are here to help you.

What Is California’s Point System for Traffic Violations?

California uses its Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) to track traffic violations. When you are convicted of certain moving violations, the DMV adds points to your record. These points are used to evaluate your driving behavior and determine whether further action should be taken against your license.

Most minor traffic violations, such as speeding, typically add one point to your record. More serious offenses, including driving under the influence, can result in two points being assessed. Accumulating too many points within a certain time period may lead to a license suspension.

How Long Do Points Stay on My Driving Record?

In many cases, points from minor traffic violations remain on your California driving record for about three years. During this time, insurance companies may be able to see the violation, which can lead to higher monthly payments.

However, note that serious violations can remain on your record for a longer period of time. For example, DUI-related offenses may stay on your record for up to ten years. This extended timeframe reflects the state’s interest in closely monitoring high-risk driving behavior.

It’s also important to note that the three-year period generally runs from the conviction date, not the date that you were given the ticket. This distinction can affect how long the points impact your record as well.

What Options Do I Have to Reduce the Impact of Points?

While points do not usually disappear immediately, there may be ways to reduce their impact. For instance, certain eligible drivers may be able to attend traffic school. Completing an approved course can prevent the point from being visible to insurance companies, although it will still exist on the DMV record.

Challenging a ticket in court is another option in some cases. If the citation against you is dismissed, the associated point(s) will not be added to your record. This can be especially important for drivers who already have prior violations.

Contact the San Diego Car Accident Attorneys at Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Points on your driving record in San Diego, California, can remain for several years, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. In some situations, a single point may affect your insurance rates and could contribute to future license issues if additional violations occur.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
3666 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000