Michigan Driver's License Point System

In Michigan, the Secretary of State (SOS) uses a point system to track traffic violations and assess driver risk. Points are added to your driving record whenever you're convicted of a moving violation. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 2-year period, you may be required to attend a driver reexamination which could result in license suspension.

Keep in mind: The point system isn't the only way to lose your license—other violations or offenses can also result in automatic suspension, such as OWI/DUI convictions or reckless driving.

How Are Points Calculated in Michigan?

• You must be convicted of the traffic violation before points are added to your record.
• Points are calculated based on the date of the violation, not the date of the conviction.
• Only violations that occurred within the past 2 years count toward your point total.
• Points remain on your driving record for 2 years from the date of conviction.

After 2 years the points for that violation no longer count toward your total for DMV suspension purposes. However, they may still appear on your record and could affect your insurance premiums.

Important Milestones:

• 4 points: You'll receive a warning letter from the Secretary of State
• 8 points: You'll receive another warning letter about potential suspension
• 9 points: You may be required to attend an interview
• 12 points: Driver reexamination required, possible license suspension

Michigan assigns 2 to 6 points per violation depending on the severity of the offense. Here are common traffic violations and their corresponding point values:

What Happens If You Accumulate Too Many Points?

Although Michigan does not automatically suspend your license based solely on point totals, accumulating too many points will trigger a **driver reexamination**. The SOS may require you to appear in person for a review of your driving history, vision, and driving skills.

Reexaminations are typically triggered when you accumulate 12 or more points on your record within a 2-year period. Based on the outcome, the state may:

• Place you on probation
• Restrict or suspend your license
• Require you to complete driver improvement program

How to Avoid or Reduce Points

The best way to prevent point accumulation is by driving safely and obeying traffic laws. If you've received a citation, you may be eligible to take a Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC). This course can:

• Prevent points from appearing on your public driving record
• Keep insurance companies from seeing the violation
• Be taken once every 2 years for eligible infractions

You must receive a notification from the SOS stating that you are eligible to take a BDIC after a violation.

Out-of-State Violations

Michigan generally does not add points for out-of-state violations to your Michigan driving record. However, the violation may still appear on your record and could affect your insurance premiums. Some serious out-of-state violations may still result in license action.

Insurance and Points

Insurance companies use their own systems to determine rate increases. Your driving record, regardless of driver license points, can impact your premium. Points on your Michigan driving record will likely result in higher insurance rates for up to 3-5 years. Contact your insurance provider for specific details about how violations affect your rates.

How to Check Your Points

You can check your point total and driving record through several methods:

• Online: Visit the Michigan Secretary of State website and purchase an electronic copy of your driving record for $16
• In Person: Visit any Secretary of State branch office with proper ID - costs $12
• By Mail: Complete a Record Lookup Request form and mail it with payment
• By Phone: Call and pay with credit card (records mailed to address on file)

You'll need:

• Your Michigan driver's license number
• Full name and date of birth
• Valid form of identification
• Payment (credit card or check)

Check Your Michigan Driving Record