Quick Answer:
The Michigan license point system, also known as the driver’s license point system, assigns points to your driving record for each traffic violation. Accumulating too many driver’s license points within two years can lead to driver’s license suspension or a driver reexamination by the Michigan Secretary of State. Points range from two to six depending on the traffic offense, such as speeding, reckless driving, or open alcohol container violations.
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If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Michigan, you may have noticed points added to your driving record. Points are added to your Michigan driver’s license for each violation. These points are part of the state’s driver’s license point system, which tracks violations and helps promote traffic safety.
Accumulating too many points can also trigger driver responsibility fees, and accumulating points on your license can lead to additional penalties.
The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) uses this system to monitor driving habits and identify high-risk drivers. Each traffic offense adds a set number of points to your record, and each Michigan driver’s license point is assigned based on the severity of the offense.
Too many points can trigger serious consequences such as higher car insurance premiums, license suspension, or even loss of your driving privileges. If you want to fight a traffic violation and clear your driving record, you’ll need the help of an experienced defense attorney.
How the Driver’s License Point System Works
Every time you commit a moving violation, the court reports it to the Michigan Secretary of State, who then records the violation and its point value on your driving record.
Each traffic offense set is categorized and assigned a specific point value according to Michigan law.
The key points to remember are:
- Points remain on your record for two years from the date of conviction.
- Accumulating too many points can result in a warning letter, driver reexamination, or suspended license.
- Points are not automatically removed when you pay fines or complete penalties.
Your driving record matters because both the SOS and your insurance company can review it to determine risk and set your insurance rates.
Common Violations and Their Point Values
Michigan assigns points based on the severity of the traffic offense. Minor offenses typically result in fewer points, while more serious offenses carry higher point values and can lead to harsher penalties. Here’s how the most common violations are categorized:
Accumulating more points on your record can result in increased penalties, including license suspension.
Six Points
These are the most serious violations and can immediately jeopardize your driver’s license:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (including impaired driving or unlawful bodily alcohol content)
- Felony involving a motor vehicle (such as negligent homicide)
- Fleeing or eluding a police officer
- Refusing a chemical test (such as a breathalyzer or blood test)
Four Points
These offenses are serious but slightly less severe:
- Drag racing
- Open alcohol container in a vehicle
- Careless driving
- Refusing a preliminary breath test for drivers under 21
- Speeding 16 mph or more over the legal speed limit
Three Points
- Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign
- Improper passing
- Speeding 11–15 mph over the limit
- Failure to yield
- Failing to stop for a school bus
Three-point violations include common offenses like speeding 11-15 MPH over the limit, careless driving, and failing to stop for a school bus.
Two Points
- Minor speeding (1–10 mph over limit)
- Failure to wear seatbelt (in some cases)
- Other minor moving violations
The number of points you receive depends on the traffic laws violated and whether it’s considered a civil infraction or criminal offense. Four-point violations in Michigan include serious offenses such as drag racing and impaired driving.
How Many Points Before Losing Your License?
If you collect too many points within a two-year period, the Michigan Secretary of State will take action.
- At 4 points, you may receive a warning letter about your driving habits from the Secretary of State.
- At eight points, reaching this threshold may require you to attend a driver improvement course.
- At 12 points or more, the SOS may order a driver reexamination, which could result in a license suspension.
During reexamination, you’ll be asked to explain your driving record and may need to take additional tests or meet with a hearing officer to determine whether you can keep your driver’s license.
How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record?
In Michigan, driver’s license points stay on your record for two years from the date of conviction. However, the traffic violations themselves can remain longer and affect your driving record and insurance rates for up to seven years.
Certain serious offenses, like reckless driving or DUI, may stay visible for even longer. It’s important to request a copy of your Michigan driving record regularly so you can monitor your points and correct any errors early.
How to Reduce Points or Avoid Suspension
While you can’t directly erase points, you can take steps to improve your record and avoid suspension:
- Complete a Driver Improvement Course: The SOS may allow this option to remove points or prevent suspension. However, completing a Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) is available only once in a lifetime to remove points from a driver’s record.
- Contest the Ticket: An experienced attorney can challenge the citation in court, potentially reducing or dismissing charges. Contesting speeding tickets can help prevent points from being added to your license.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Safe and consistent driving is the best long-term strategy.
- Track Your Record: Request your Michigan driving record online to ensure it’s accurate.
If your driver’s license is already suspended, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee and meet additional conditions before restoring your driving privileges. After your license is suspended, you will receive instructions on how to restore it once the suspension period is over.
A law firm experienced in Michigan traffic law can assist you in contesting tickets and avoiding license suspension.
How Traffic Offenses Affect Insurance
Insurance companies use your driving record and the Michigan license point system to calculate risk. Even a few points from a speeding ticket or traffic citation can raise your insurance premiums.
High-risk drivers — those with frequent traffic violations or license suspensions — often face dramatically higher rates or policy cancellations. By addressing tickets quickly and keeping your record clean, you can save significant money over time.
When You Should Call an Attorney
If you’ve received multiple traffic tickets, been charged with reckless driving, or are facing a driver’s license suspension, hiring a traffic defense attorney can make all the difference.
An attorney can:
- Review your driving record for inaccuracies
- Represent you in court to reduce or dismiss charges
- Negotiate for lower fines or fewer points
- Help reinstate a suspended license
- Advise on your rights under Michigan law
Traffic attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, potentially avoiding points on a license.
At David G. Moore, Attorney at Law, you’ll work directly with a former prosecutor who understands the Michigan driver’s license point system and how to protect your driving privileges.
David knows how courts and the Secretary of State view repeat violations — and how to prevent them from costing you your freedom behind the wheel.
Get a Free Consultation
Your license is too important to risk over a few traffic violations. If you’ve received multiple tickets or need help understanding your Michigan driving record, now is the time to act.
Call David G. Moore, Attorney at Law, at (269) 301-1554 for a free consultation. You’ll get clear advice on how to handle your case, protect your record, and keep your driver’s license in good standing—including information on whether you can get mailed a DUI.