What Do Points on Your License Mean in Michigan and Which Violations Add Them?

If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Michigan, you’ve likely heard about the point system used by the Secretary of State (SOS). Points on your Michigan driver’s license serve as a record of your driving violations and can lead to serious consequences if they accumulate. But what do these points mean, and how do specific traffic violations add up on your driving record?

In this blog, we’ll break down the Michigan driver’s license points system, explain which violations result in points, and discuss how these points can affect your driving privileges.

How the Michigan Driver’s License Points System Works

The Michigan driver’s license points system is designed to track unsafe driving behavior. When you’re convicted of certain traffic violations, the Secretary of State adds points to your driving record. The more severe the violation, the more points you’ll receive. These points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the offense.

It’s important to note that points do not automatically lead to a suspended license. However, accumulating too many points can result in further consequences, such as:

• Increased car insurance premiums
• Required driver improvement courses
• Potential driver’s license suspension if you accumulate enough points within a specific period

Traffic Violations and the Points They Add in Michigan

Here’s a breakdown of common Michigan traffic violations and the number of points they add to your driver’s license:

6-Point Violations

The most serious violations will add six points to your driving record:

• Reckless driving
• Operating while intoxicated (OWI) or under the influence of drugs
• Fleeing or eluding a police officer
• Vehicular manslaughter or negligent homicide
• Refusal to take a chemical breath or blood test
• Failure to stop and give identification at the scene of a crash (hit and run)

4-Point Violations

These violations are still considered serious and will result in four points:

• Drag racing (street racing)
• Operating while visibly impaired (OWVI)
• Driving 16 mph or more over the speed limit
• Failure to yield to emergency vehicles (like police, fire trucks, or ambulances)

3-Point Violations

These more common violations can add three points to your license:

• Careless driving
• Driving 11-15 mph over the speed limit
• Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign
• Failure to stop for a school bus
• Improper passing

2-Point Violations

Lesser offenses still add points but may not impact your record as severely:

• Driving 10 mph or less over the speed limit
• Open alcohol container in the vehicle
• All other moving violations of traffic laws not listed above
• Refusal of a preliminary breath test (for drivers under 21)

How Points Can Affect Your Driving Record in Michigan

While a few points on your record may seem like a minor issue, they can add up quickly. If you accumulate 12 points or more within two years, you may face a driver’s license suspension. Here’s how points can trigger further consequences:

• 6 Points: You may be required to attend a driver improvement course to reduce your points and improve your driving behavior.
• 12 Points: At 12 points, the Michigan SOS may take action by suspending or revoking your driver’s license, depending on the severity of the violations.

In addition, your car insurance premiums are likely to increase if you accumulate multiple points, as insurance companies consider you a higher-risk driver.

Can You Remove Points from Your Michigan Driving Record?

Once points are added to your Michigan driver’s license, they remain on your record for two years from the date of the violation. After that period, the points will expire, though the conviction may still appear on your driving history. Unfortunately, Michigan does not offer a way to remove points from your record early, even through defensive driving courses. However, avoiding further traffic violations is the best way to prevent more points from being added.

Conclusion

Understanding Michigan’s driver’s license points system is essential for any driver. While minor traffic violations may only add a few points to your record, more serious offenses can result in significant penalties, including potential license suspension. If you’re facing a traffic violation or worried about the points on your license, consulting a Michigan criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options and fight the charges.

If you’re concerned about your driving record or have been issued a traffic citation, contact a skilled Michigan criminal defense attorney today to ensure your rights are protected.