The Michigan Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

When you get your Michigan driver's license, you also receive a clean driving record. Keeping it that way is one of your most important responsibilities. To encourage safe driving and identify high-risk drivers, the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) uses a demerit point system.

Understanding this system from the moment you get your license is crucial. Every time you are convicted of a moving violation, points are added to your record. If you accumulate too many points, you will face serious consequences, including a mandatory driver reexamination and the suspension of your license.

How the Michigan Point System Works

The concept is straightforward: the state assigns a point value to different moving violations. The more serious the offense, the more points you receive. When you pay a ticket or are found guilty in court, the SOS adds those points to your driving record. Points remain on your record for two years (24 months) from the date of the conviction.

The SOS will take action based on the number of points you accumulate.

Point Values for Common Michigan Traffic Violations

It's essential to know which actions carry the most weight. Here are the point values for some of the most common violations in Michigan:

• 2 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (1-10 mph over the limit)
  • Open intoxicants in a vehicle

• 3 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (11-15 mph over the limit)
  • Careless driving
  • Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign

• 4 Point Violations:

  • Speeding (16 mph or more over the limit)
  • Drag racing
  • Improper passing

• 6 Point Violations:

  • Reckless driving
  • Fleeing or eluding a police officer
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI): A conviction for OWI will also result in an immediate, mandatory license suspension.

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

The SOS takes progressive action as you accumulate points.

• At 4, 8, and 9 Points: The SOS may send you Advisory or Warning Letters to notify you that you are accumulating points.

• At 12 Points: This is the critical threshold. Once you accumulate 12 points in a two-year period, you will be required to undergo a driver assessment reexamination.

The Driver Assessment Reexamination

This is not just a letter; it is a mandatory meeting at an SOS office. At the reexamination, an analyst will:

• Review your driving record with you.
• Give you a vision and written knowledge test.
• Potentially require you to take a new on-road driving test.

Based on the reexamination, the analyst can decide to:

• Suspend your driver's license for a period of time.
• Restrict your license (e.g., for driving to work only).
• Place you on probation.

Stricter Rules for Teen Drivers (GDL Holders)

The consequences for new, young drivers are much harsher.

• Any Violation: A teen driver with a GDL license who receives any ticket may face a license suspension.
• The GDL program is designed with zero tolerance for moving violations.

How to Keep Your Record Clean

1. Drive Safely: The most effective method is to avoid getting tickets in the first place by obeying all traffic laws.
2. Understand GDL Laws: For teens, violating your driving restrictions is a moving violation that will add points to your record.
3. Consider a Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC): If you are eligible, you may be able to complete a BDIC to keep the points from a ticket off your record. You are generally eligible if the ticket was for 3 points or less and it was not in a commercial vehicle.

Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the Michigan point system, you can make informed decisions that will keep your record clean and keep you safe on the road.