Michigan Driver's License Point System
Traffic Tickets Can Lead to a Driver's License Suspension
Under Michigan state law, certain traffic safety offenses will result in
the automatic suspension or revocation of an individual's license
to drive. Perhaps the most common of these include DUI/DWI and misdemeanor
convictions for leaving the scene of an accident. Most other traffic offenses,
however, are assigned a specific number of points according to their severity,
with more serious moving violations receiving a larger number of points
than what is given for relatively minor offenses. As you accumulate more
and more points on your driving record, the Michigan Secretary of State
will take escalating actions against you which may culminate in a suspension
of your driver's license. If you have any questions regarding the
driver's license point system contact a Michigan traffic ticket attorney
from our firm.
"Mark Freedman did an outstanding job helping my son with his traffic
infraction. He carefully explained the process in the beginning and kept
us informed throughout. He spent a considerable amount of time on the
case to ensure that all issues were successfully resolved. We are completely
satisfied and would highly recommend him to anyone. Thanks Mark!"
- Mike Shulman
Here is a brief overview of some of the most common traffic violations
and the number of points which are assigned to each:
- Vehicular manslaughter – 6 points
- Reckless driving – 6 points
- Refusal to take a chemical test – 6 points
- Operating while visibly impaired – 4 points
- Under age 21 with any bodily alcohol content – 4 points
- Speeding at 16 mph or more over the limit – 4 points
- Failure to yield or show due caution for a fire truck of ambulance – 4 points
- Careless driving – 3 points
- Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign – 3 points
- Improper passing – 3 points
- Speeding between 11 and 15 mph over the limit – 3 points
- Speeding up to 10 miles per hour over the limit – 2 points
- Driving with an open container of alcohol – 2 points
How many points before a driver's license suspension in Michigan?
When you have accumulated 4 points within a period of 2 years, the Secretary
of State will send you a letter in the mail to advise you of the fact
that you have a higher-than-average number of points on your driving record.
Once you receive 8 points, you will be mailed another letter warning you
of an impending suspension in the event that you continue to break the
traffic laws. After accumulating 12 points, the Secretary of State will
order you to report in for a driver reexamination which may include a
review of your driving record, tests of your eyesight and knowledge of
traffic safety, and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
Depending on the outcome of the tests and the nature of the offenses for
which you were cited, you may be able to walk out without any negative
consequence for your license, but more likely you will have to face a
period of months or years with a restricted, suspended or revoked license.
Further, you can expect to see your rates for car insurance go up dramatically,
as the insurance company will view your excessive points as a sign that
you are at risk of causing or being involved in an accident.
How long will traffic ticket points stay on my record?
State law does not permit the Secretary of State to prematurely remove
points from a driving record, nor is it possible to have a conviction
for a traffic offense set aside. As a consequence, the points for any
traffic ticket conviction will remain on your record for two years from
the date of the conviction. This is why it is so important to fight every
single ticket you receive, rather than waiting until you get a ticket
which will push you over the 12-point limit. The points from each moving
violation conviction will sit on your record for two years, increasing
your liability for a possible license suspension or revocation in the
future. Take action now to contest your citation by hiring a
Michigan traffic ticket lawyer from Freedman Law Group –
contact us now for a free case evaluation and to get us started working on your defense.