Demerit point system for drivers comes into force tomorrow

A demerit points system, part of Georgia’s new traffic security legislation, comes into effect tomorrow, July 1.

This system, in place in a high number of other countries, is a new concept in Georgia.

Under the new system, drivers are each year given 100 points, which will be monitored on their license. Points will be deducted each time a driver commits a traffic violation.

If a driver loses all their points, their license will be confiscated and the driver must write another driving test to have their license reinstated. Meanwhile at the beginning of each year all points will be reinstated.

Different traffic violations will entail various degrees of points being taken off. For example, not using a security belt when driving will see a driver lose five points, while exceeding the speed limit will mean 15 points off.

A driver will not lose their points when they get a video fine for a traffic violation. The demerit points system will only be in force when a driver gets stopped and fined by a patrol police officer at the moment of or immediately after a violation.