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

Getting your Oklahoma driver's license is a major milestone, and protecting it is just as important. The state uses a point system to track driving infractions and identify motorists who repeatedly violate traffic laws. [15] Understanding this system from the day you get your license is key to keeping your driving record clean, your insurance rates down, and your driving privileges intact.

This guide breaks down how the Oklahoma point system works, the point values for common violations, and the consequences you'll face if you accumulate too many points.

How the Oklahoma Point System Works

When you are convicted of a moving violation in Oklahoma, the court reports it to Service Oklahoma, which then assigns a specific number of demerit points to your driving record. [15] These points are assigned based on the severity of the offense. The system acts as an official record of your driving behavior.

The crucial thing to know is the timeline: if you accumulate 10 or more points within a five-year period, your driver's license will be suspended. [13]

Points for Common Traffic Violations

Violations in Oklahoma can carry anywhere from 1 to 4 points. Here are some of the most common offenses and their point values:

4-Point Violations (Most Severe)

These are reserved for the most dangerous actions on the road:

Reckless Driving [3, 15]
Failure to Stop for a School Bus [15]
Speeding 41 mph or more over the posted limit [3, 18]

3-Point Violations

These are for serious violations that show a significant disregard for safety:

Speeding 26-40 mph over the posted limit [18] (Some sources cite 25 mph or more over as 3 points) [3, 13]
Inattentive Driving Resulting in a Collision [3, 15]

2-Point Violations

This is the most frequent category for traffic tickets. Examples include:

Speeding 11-25 mph over the posted limit [18]
Failure to Obey a Stop Sign or Traffic Light [3, 13]
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way [3, 13]
Careless Driving [3, 13]
Following Too Closely [3, 13]
Wrong Way on a One-Way Street [3, 13]
Violation of a Driver's License Restriction [3, 13]

1-Point Violations

These are for less severe, but still illegal, moving violations:

Operating a Defective Vehicle [3, 13]
Failure to Signal [18]
Improper Turns [15]
All other moving violations not specifically listed [3, 13]

Note on Speeding: Speeding 1-10 mph over the limit is typically a 0-point violation, though you will still have to pay a fine. [18]

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

The penalties become more severe as your point total grows.

Warning Letter: While not explicitly mandated at a specific number, receiving multiple tickets will put you on Service Oklahoma's radar.
Hearing at 7 Points: If you accumulate 7 points, you may be required to attend a hearing with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety to discuss your driving record. Consequences could include being ordered to take a driving course or even retake your driving test. [21]
License Suspension at 10 Points: This is the critical threshold. Accumulating 10 or more points within 5 years will trigger a suspension of your driver's license. [13, 18] The length of the suspension can vary depending on your driving history, but it can range from one month to a full year. [21]

Can You Reduce the Points on Your Record?

Yes, Oklahoma provides a way for drivers to be proactive about their record.

Driver Improvement Course: You can voluntarily complete a state-approved 6-hour "Driver Improvement" or "Defensive Driving" course. Upon successful completion, you will receive a 2-point credit on your driving record. [18]
Limitations: This credit can only be applied once every 24 months. It's a tool to help responsible drivers who've made a mistake, not a way to erase habitual bad driving. [18]
Good Behavior Reduction: For every 12 consecutive months you go without being convicted of a point-carrying violation, 2 points will be deducted from your record. [18] After three years of clean driving, your point total will be reduced to zero.

The best way to manage the point system is to avoid getting points in the first place. Drive safely, obey the law, and treat your driver's license as the privilege it is. By staying informed and responsible, you can keep your record clean and enjoy the freedom of the road.