What Happens When You Reach 12 Demerit Points?
Reaching 12 demerit points under AARTO means your driver's license is suspended. Here is exactly what happens, how long the suspension lasts, and how to get your license back.
Key Takeaways
- 12 points = first suspension of 3 months
- Second time reaching 12 = 6 month suspension
- Third time = license cancelled permanently
- Driving while suspended is a criminal offence
- You can reduce points by 1 per 3 months of clean driving
What happens at exactly 12 points?
When your demerit points reach 12, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) will notify you that your license is being suspended. You have 32 days to hand in your license. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
- RTIA sends suspension notice
- 32 days to hand in your license
- Suspension period starts from date of notice
- You cannot drive at all during suspension
How long is the suspension?
The length depends on how many times you have been suspended before. First suspension is 3 months. Second is 6 months. Third means your license is cancelled and you must redo everything from scratch.
- First suspension: 3 months
- Second suspension: 6 months
- Third suspension: license cancelled permanently
- After cancellation: redo learner's and driving test
How do you get your license back?
After serving the full suspension period, you can apply to have your license returned. You must collect it from the RTIA office. Your points will reset to zero after the suspension is served.
- Serve the full suspension period
- Apply to RTIA for license return
- Points reset to zero after suspension
- Any new offence during suspension = criminal charge
Ready to see your own numbers?
Use the AARTO Demerit Simulator