Michigan suspends your license when you reach 12 points in a two-year period

In Michigan, the Secretary of State tracks traffic violations as points on your driving record. When your points total reaches 12 within any two-year period, your license is automatically suspended. The suspension lasts a minimum of 30 days for a first offense, though it can be longer depending on your violation history and whether you request a hearing.

Points stay on your record for two years from the date of the violation, not from when you paid the ticket or went to court. This means a violation from January 2023 drops off your record in January 2025, even if you just received the ticket last month. Understanding how points accumulate and when they fall off is the difference between a clean record and a suspension notice in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Michigan license suspends automatically when you reach 12 points within a two-year rolling period, with a minimum 30-day suspension for a first offense.
  • Each traffic violation carries a specific point value — speeding 1 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit, reckless driving 6 points, at-fault accidents 2 to 6 points.
  • Points expire two years from the violation date, not from when you paid the ticket, so timing matters when you're close to 12.
  • You can request a hearing before suspension takes effect, and the Secretary of State may reduce points if you complete a defensive driving course within 12 months of the violation.

How points are assigned for common violations

Michigan assigns points based on the type and severity of the violation. Speeding violations carry 1 to 6 points depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving — 1 to 5 miles over is 1 point, 6 to 10 miles over is 2 points, and so on up to 6 points for 26 miles or more over the limit. Reckless driving is 6 points. Improper lane use, following too closely, and failure to yield are typically 2 to 3 points each.

At-fault accidents add 2 to 6 points to your record depending on the severity and whether injuries occurred. A minor accident with property damage only might be 2 points, while an accident with injury can be 4 to 6 points. Serious violations like driving under the influence (DUI) or driving with a suspended license add 6 points and often trigger additional penalties beyond the point system.

Not every traffic ticket results in points. Parking violations, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and some minor infractions do not add points to your driving record, though you still have to pay the fine. When you receive a ticket, ask the officer or check the citation itself to see whether it carries points.

The two-year rolling window and when points expire

Michigan uses a rolling two-year period, not a calendar year. This means the Secretary of State looks back 24 months from today and counts all violations within that window. If you received a ticket on March 15, 2023, that violation stops counting toward your total on March 15, 2025 — even if you just got another ticket last week.

The practical effect is that you can sometimes avoid suspension by waiting for older violations to age off. If you have 10 points and one of those violations is about to turn two years old, you might drop back below 12 points without doing anything. However, if you receive new violations before the old ones expire, you can quickly climb back up. The Secretary of State's website shows your current point total and the expiration date of each violation on your record.

What happens when you reach 12 points

When you accumulate 12 points within a two-year period, the Secretary of State sends you a notice of suspension. You do not have to wait for a hearing or a court date — the suspension is automatic. The notice tells you when your suspension begins, how long it will last, and what you must do to restore your license.

A first suspension lasts a minimum of 30 days. A second suspension within seven years lasts a minimum of 60 days. A third or subsequent suspension within seven years lasts a minimum of 150 days. These are the minimum periods; your suspension could be longer if the Secretary of State determines that additional time is warranted based on your driving history.

During a suspension, 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. If you are caught driving during suspension, you face charges even if you were only driving to work or to a medical appointment.

How to request a hearing before suspension takes effect

When you receive a suspension notice, you have the right to request a hearing before the suspension becomes effective. You must request the hearing within seven days of receiving the notice. The hearing gives you a chance to present evidence that the suspension should not take effect or should be reduced.

To request a hearing, contact the Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division by phone, mail, or online through the Michigan Secretary of State website. The notice itself will include the phone number and mailing address. When you request a hearing, the suspension is delayed until after the hearing is held, so you can continue driving legally while you wait.

At the hearing, you can present documents, testimony, or other evidence. Common arguments include that one or more violations were incorrectly recorded on your record, that you have completed a defensive driving course, or that you have a medical or employment hardship that makes suspension particularly difficult. The hearing officer will make a decision, which may result in the suspension being cancelled, delayed, or upheld.

Reducing points through a defensive driving course

Michigan allows you to reduce points on your record by completing an approved defensive driving course. If you complete the course within 12 months of a violation, you can have up to 4 points removed from that violation. You can use this reduction only once every 12 months, so you cannot take multiple courses in quick succession to wipe your record clean.

The course must be approved by the Secretary of State. Many community colleges, driving schools, and online providers offer these courses. The cost varies but typically ranges from $20 to $50 for an online course. After you complete the course, you receive a certificate that you must send to the Secretary of State along with a request form to have the points reduced.

This reduction does not erase the violation from your record — it only removes the points. Insurance companies and employers can still see that the violation occurred. However, removing the points can prevent a suspension or reduce the length of a suspension if you are close to 12 points.

Restoring your license after suspension

To restore your license after a suspension ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. The fee is $125 for a first suspension, $200 for a second suspension, and $300 for a third or subsequent suspension. You also must provide proof of financial responsibility (auto insurance) before your license is restored.

If you do not have active auto insurance at the time of reinstatement, you must obtain a policy before you can drive legally. The insurance company will file proof of coverage with the Secretary of State. Once the fee is paid and proof of insurance is on file, your license is restored and you can drive again.

If your suspension was for a serious violation like DUI, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before your license is restored. The Secretary of State will notify you if this applies to your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive during the seven days after I get a suspension notice?

Yes, you can drive legally during those seven days. Your license does not suspend until after the seven-day period ends, unless you do not request a hearing. If you request a hearing within seven days, you can continue driving until after the hearing is held and a decision is made.

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

Yes. Michigan counts violations from other states if you were driving a vehicle registered in Michigan or if you hold a Michigan license. The points are converted to Michigan's point system based on the type of violation. Violations in other states where you hold a license in that state may not count toward Michigan suspension.

What if I pay to have a ticket dismissed or reduced?

Paying a fine does not remove points from your record. Points are assigned based on the violation itself, not on whether you paid the ticket or how much you paid. If you want to remove points, you must either wait for them to expire (two years), complete a defensive driving course, or win a hearing that results in the violation being overturned.

Can I get a restricted license during my suspension?

Michigan does not issue restricted licenses for point-based suspensions. You cannot drive for any reason during the suspension period, with very limited exceptions for medical emergencies. Once your suspension ends and you pay the reinstatement fee, your full driving privileges are restored.

How do I check my current point total?

You can check your driving record and current point total through the Michigan Secretary of State website. You can order an official copy of your record online or by mail. The record shows each violation, the points assigned, and the date each violation will expire from your record.