A penalty point or demerit point system revokes or suspends a person's driving license based on the number of points accumulated over a specific period. Points are assigned for traffic offenses and infringements committed during this time. The demerit point schemes vary by jurisdiction and are typically implemented in addition to fines or other penalties.
Under these schemes, a driver licensing authority, police force, or other authorized entity maintains a record of the demerit points accumulated by drivers. Points may be added or subtracted according to the rules of each jurisdiction's system. When a driver reaches or exceeds the prescribed point threshold, their license is typically revoked or suspended for a defined period or until specific conditions are met. Once the suspension period ends, the accumulated demerit points are usually reset or canceled. The primary objective of these point systems is to identify, penalize, and discourage repeat traffic offenders while also facilitating a more efficient legal process.