Michigan suspends your license when you accumulate 12 points within a two-year period

In Michigan, the Secretary of State tracks traffic violations as points on your driving record. Each violation carries a set number of points — a speeding ticket might be 3 points, while reckless driving is 6. When your total reaches 12 points in any two-year rolling window, the state automatically suspends your license for 30 days on your first suspension.

The two-year window means the state looks backward from today. If you got 8 points two years and one month ago, those points drop off and no longer count toward suspension. This matters because you might be close to 12 points but still have time to stay under the threshold if older violations age out.

A suspension is different from a revocation. A suspension is temporary — your license comes back automatically after the suspension period ends, as long as you pay any required fees and meet other conditions. You cannot drive during a suspension, even for work or medical appointments, unless you obtain a restricted license from the Secretary of State.

Key Takeaways

  • Twelve points accumulated within any two-year period triggers an automatic 30-day license suspension for a first offense.
  • Points drop off your record two years after the violation date, so older tickets stop counting toward the 12-point threshold.
  • A suspension prevents you from driving entirely unless you obtain a restricted license, which requires a hearing request and approval.
  • Subsequent suspensions last longer: 60 days for a second suspension within seven years, and one year for a third.
  • You can request a hearing before suspension takes effect if you act within a specific timeframe after receiving notice.

What each violation costs you in points

Michigan assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Speeding 1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit is 2 points. Speeding 6 to 10 miles per hour over is 3 points. Speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over is 4 points. The faster you go over the limit, the more points you receive — speeding 26 miles per hour or more over the limit is 6 points.

Other common violations carry fixed point values: careless driving is 3 points, improper lane change is 2 points, failure to yield is 3 points, and following too closely is 2 points. More serious violations like reckless driving (6 points), driving under the influence (6 points), and fleeing police (6 points) add up quickly.

You can view your current point total by checking your driving record through the Michigan Secretary of State website or by visiting a branch office in person. Your record shows each violation, the date it occurred, and the points assigned. This is the only way to know exactly where you stand.

How the two-year rolling window works

Michigan does not use a calendar year. Instead, it looks at any 24-month period going backward from today. If you received a 4-point violation on January 15, 2023, that violation stops counting on January 15, 2025. Until that date arrives, those 4 points are active on your record.

This means you could receive a violation today that pushes you to 11 points, then have an older violation drop off in three months, bringing you back down to 8 points. The state does not suspend you retroactively — suspension happens only when you cross 12 points while they are all still active.

The Secretary of State's office calculates this automatically. You do not have to track it yourself, but you should know your current total so you understand how close you are to suspension. If you are at 10 or 11 points, even a minor violation could trigger suspension.

What happens when you reach 12 points

When the Secretary of State determines you have reached 12 points, they mail you a Notice of Suspension to the address on file with your license. This notice tells you the suspension will take effect on a specific date — usually 10 to 14 days after you receive the letter. The notice also explains your right to request a hearing before the suspension becomes effective.

You have a limited window to request that hearing — typically 10 days from the date on the notice. If you request a hearing, the suspension does not take effect until after the hearing is held and a decision is made. If you do not request a hearing, the suspension becomes effective on the date stated in the notice.

Once the suspension is in effect, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and additional points on your record. The only exception is if you obtain a restricted license, which allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs.

How to request a hearing before suspension takes effect

When you receive your Notice of Suspension, it includes instructions for requesting a hearing. You must submit your request in writing to the address listed on the notice. Some Secretary of State offices accept requests by mail, email, or in person — check the notice to see which methods are available in your area.

Your request must arrive within the timeframe stated on the notice, usually 10 days. Include your name, driver's license number, and a brief statement of why you believe the suspension should not take effect. You do not need a lawyer, but you can bring one if you choose.

At the hearing, a hearing officer reviews your driving record and listens to your side of the story. You can present evidence or witnesses. The hearing officer decides whether the points were correctly recorded and whether the suspension should proceed. If the officer agrees the points are accurate and you have reached 12, the suspension will take effect. If the officer finds an error, the suspension may be delayed or canceled.

Suspension length depends on how many times you have been suspended

Your first suspension lasts 30 days. If you accumulate 12 more points within seven years of that first suspension, a second suspension lasts 60 days. A third suspension within seven years lasts one year. These timeframes are strict — the state counts from the date your previous suspension ended, not from when it began.

After one year with no new suspensions, the seven-year window resets. This means if you serve a 30-day suspension, stay clean for a full year, and then accumulate 12 points again, that second suspension is treated as a new first suspension and lasts 30 days instead of 60.

During any suspension, you cannot drive at all unless you obtain a restricted license. The restricted license is not automatic — you must request it and meet specific conditions, such as proof of enrollment in a substance abuse program if your suspension involved alcohol or drugs.

How to get your license back after suspension ends

When your suspension period ends, your license does not automatically reactivate. You must visit a Secretary of State branch office and pay a license reinstatement fee. This fee varies but is typically $100 to $125. You will need to bring your suspended license and a valid form of identification.

If your suspension was related to alcohol or drug violations, you may also need to provide proof of completion of a substance abuse program or proof that you have enrolled in one. The notice you received when the suspension took effect will specify any additional requirements.

Once you pay the reinstatement fee and meet any other conditions, the Secretary of State will issue you a new license on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office. Your driving record will show the suspension, but you can legally drive again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work during a suspension if I request a restricted license?

Yes. A restricted license allows you to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs like substance abuse treatment. You must request the restricted license from the Secretary of State and show proof of your need — such as an employment letter or school enrollment. The restricted license is not may provide; the Secretary of State reviews each request.

Do points from out-of-state violations count toward Michigan suspension?

Yes. Michigan counts violations from other states if they are reported to Michigan's system, which happens through the Interstate Compact. A speeding ticket from Ohio or Indiana will add points to your Michigan record if the violation is reported. Check your driving record to see all violations counted.

What if I was not the one driving when I got the ticket?

You can contest the ticket in traffic court before it is added to your record. If you lose in court or do not contest it, the violation stands and points are added. Once points are on your record, requesting a hearing with the Secretary of State is your next option, but the hearing officer will only review whether the points were correctly recorded — not whether you were actually driving.

How long do points stay on my record after the suspension ends?

Points remain on your record for two years from the violation date. After two years, they drop off and no longer count toward future suspensions. However, the suspension itself stays on your permanent driving record and can be seen by insurance companies and employers.

Can I get points removed from my record early?

Michigan does not allow you to remove points early through traffic school or defensive driving courses. Points drop off only when two years have passed since the violation date. Some violations can be contested in traffic court if you believe they were issued in error, but that is your only option before the two-year period ends.