A total of 4,860 drivers have had their licenses suspended after all 12 demerit points were deducted for various traffic violations in the first half of the year in Hangzhou, according to traffic police last week.

The figure was 8,743 last year, rising 9 percent from 2012.

Stricter driving regulations and better monitoring have led to the increase, traffic police said.

Going more than 50 percent above the speed limit and driving under the influence of alcohol are the most common reasons a driver loses 12 demerit points. Last year the penalties for those offenses were doubled from six points to 12.

Traffic police have adopted infrared tracking and video recording systems on all main roads to monitor traffic and identify violations.

When a driver’s license is suspended, the individual needs to attend a class to study traffic regulations and pass the examination and renew their license within 15 days.

When a driver fails to attend the class within one year, his/her license will be revoked.