How Traffic Tickets Can Lead to Driver’s License Suspension for Under 21 Drivers in Georgia

Are You (or Your Teen) at Risk of Losing a Driver’s License After a Ticket?

Many teens and young adults in Georgia are shocked to learn that a simple traffic ticket can result in a driver’s license suspension—especially if they’re under the age of 21. At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we regularly help people in their teens through their mid-twenties who are facing license suspensions and serious traffic charges.

In this post, we’ll break down how driver’s license suspensions work in Georgia, what types of offenses can lead to suspension, and why your age at the time of the ticket’s resolution matters more than your age when you received the ticket.

⚠️ Note: This blog provides general guidance and does not serve as legal advice for your specific case. If you’re facing a traffic ticket or suspension, schedule a complimentary defense strategy meeting with our team.

The Three Age-Based Categories for Georgia Drivers

Georgia separates drivers into three age groups when it comes to license suspension rules:

1. Drivers Age 21 and Older

• Allowed up to 15 points in a 24-month period before facing suspension.
• Certain serious traffic offenses cause immediate suspension, such as:
  • DUI
  • Hit and run
  • Fleeing or eluding police
  • Racing
  • Driving with a suspended registration
  • Driving without insurance

2. Drivers Age 18 to 20

• Same 15-point rule and serious offense suspensions as 21+ drivers
• PLUS: A single four-point offense causes suspension
• Examples:
  • Speeding 24+ mph over limit
  • Reckless driving
  • Aggressive driving
  • Improper passing on hill/curve
  • Improper passing of a school bus

3. Drivers Age 17 and Under

• Only allowed 4 points in 12 months before suspension
• Almost every moving violation is 3 points, meaning just two can result in a suspension

Why So Many Young Drivers Are Caught Off Guard

Often, young drivers (and their parents) don’t realize a ticket can lead to suspension. They:

• Pay tickets online without realizing the consequences
• Fail to understand point values and how they affect their license
• Get notified of suspension after paying the ticket or getting pulled over again

Tips to Avoid Losing Your License

If you’re a young driver—or the parent of one—here’s how to protect your license:

• Consult an under 21 DUI attorney before paying any ticket, especially if the driver is under 21.
• Try to resolve your first ticket favorably—it’s often the easiest one to fight or reduce.
• Know your point total: Check your history and understand how close you are to suspension.
• Be aware of your age at resolution:
  • The suspension rules are based on your age when the case is resolved, not when you got the ticket.
  • This could move you into a more favorable age category if timed strategically.

Facing a Suspension or Serious Ticket? We Can Help.

Whether you’re facing a ticket that might suspend your license or you’ve already lost it, there may still be ways to fight back, reduce the charge, or reinstate your license sooner.

At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we help Georgia drivers under 21 protect their ability to drive and move forward with confidence.

Contact us today for a defense strategy meeting.