Understanding the driving penalty points system

The penalty point system was extended to all drivers on Friday after having previously applied only to those who recently obtained their licence. In all, there are 29 contraventions, for which penalty points will be imposed on a driving licence. When will I lose my licence? Drivers may lose their licence for two months if they accumulate 12 penalty points over a period of 12 months. If the licence is revoked twice in the space of three years, the driver must sit for a fresh driving test before receiving the licence back. If it is revoked three times in five years, the driver can only sit for the test after a year of not driving, increasing to a suspension of two years for those whose licence is revoked four times in seven years. Will losing points replace fines? No. The aim of the new system is to penalise drivers whose driving puts other people’s lives in danger. The penalty points are over and above the monetary fines. WATCH: Is this Malta's most dangerous driver? What will lose me points? Drivers will lose two points if their car has defective brakes, tyres or steering wheel, or is deemed to be likely to cause any danger. Failure to stop at an accident will see drivers...