Michigan suspends your license when you accumulate 12 points within a two-year period
Michigan's Secretary of State tracks driving violations using a point system. Each violation you receive carries a specific number of points. When your total reaches 12 points in any two-year rolling window, the state automatically suspends your license for a minimum of 30 days.
The two-year window means the state looks back 24 months from today. If you received a violation 25 months ago, that violation no longer counts toward your total. Points drop off your record automatically — you do not need to request removal.
A suspension is different from a revocation. A suspension is temporary; you can regain your license after you meet the state's requirements. A revocation is permanent removal, which happens only in specific cases like multiple suspensions or certain serious violations.
Key Takeaways
- Twelve points accumulated within any two-year period triggers an automatic 30-day suspension from the Michigan Secretary of State.
- Points drop off your record 24 months after the violation date, so older violations stop counting toward your total.
- Common violations carry 2 to 6 points; serious violations like reckless driving or DUI carry more.
- You must pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance before you can drive again after suspension.
How points are assigned to specific violations
Michigan assigns points based on the severity of the violation. A minor infraction like an expired registration might be 2 points. A more serious violation like careless driving is 3 points. Reckless driving, which endangers others, is 6 points.
Violations related to alcohol or drugs carry the highest point values. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) is 6 points. A conviction for operating with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points. Fleeing or eluding police is 6 points.
The violation must result in a conviction for points to be added to your record. A ticket dismissed in court does not add points. A ticket you pay without going to court typically results in a conviction and adds points, though some courts allow you to attend traffic school to reduce or avoid points.
| Violation Type | Points |
|---|---|
| Expired registration or license | 2 |
| Speeding (1–10 mph over limit) | 2 |
| Speeding (11–15 mph over limit) | 3 |
| Speeding (16+ mph over limit) | 4 |
| Careless driving | 3 |
| Reckless driving | 6 |
| DUI conviction | 6 |
| Operating with suspended/revoked license | 6 |
What happens when you reach 12 points
The Michigan Secretary of State's office does not send you a warning before suspension. Once your record shows 12 points within a two-year period, the suspension takes effect automatically. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining the suspension, the effective date, and what you must do to regain your license.
The notice will tell you the suspension is for a minimum of 30 days. You cannot drive during this period, even for work or medical appointments. Driving on a suspended license is itself a violation that adds 6 points to your record and can result in criminal charges.
The suspension period may be longer than 30 days depending on your driving history. If you have had previous suspensions, the state may impose a longer suspension or require additional steps before reinstatement.
How to check your current point total
You can view your driving record through the Michigan Secretary of State's website or by visiting a Secretary of State office in person. The online system is called MI-DRIVE, and it shows your current point total, all violations on your record, and the date each violation will drop off.
To use MI-DRIVE, you will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system is free and available 24 hours a day. You can print your record when ready, which is useful if you need to show it to an insurance company or an attorney.
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request a copy of your driving record by mail or in person at any Secretary of State office. There is a small fee for this service, typically around $5 to $10.
Steps to regain your license after suspension
Once your suspension period ends, you cannot straightforward resume driving. You must complete a reinstatement process through the Michigan Secretary of State.
First, pay the reinstatement fee. Michigan charges $125 for a standard license reinstatement after a point suspension. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid before your license is restored.
Second, provide proof of insurance. You must show that you have active auto insurance coverage. Bring your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company to a Secretary of State office, or submit it by mail with your reinstatement request.
Third, submit your reinstatement request. You can do this online through MI-DRIVE, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. If you submit by mail, include the reinstatement fee, proof of insurance, and a completed reinstatement form.
Once the Secretary of State receives and processes your request, your license will be restored. This typically takes a few business days if you submit in person, or one to two weeks if you submit by mail.
How to avoid reaching 12 points
The most direct way to avoid suspension is to avoid violations. However, if you receive a ticket, you have options that may prevent points from being added to your record.
Many Michigan courts allow drivers to attend traffic school or a driver improvement course in exchange for dismissal of a minor violation. The violation is removed from your record, and no points are added. You typically pay a course fee of $100 to $200, but this is often less expensive than the fine and insurance increases that follow a conviction.
You can also contest a ticket in court. If the officer does not appear or if you successfully argue the violation did not occur, the ticket is dismissed and no points are added. This requires going to court and may require an attorney, but it eliminates the violation entirely.
If you have already accumulated points and are close to 12, focus on avoiding any new violations for the next two years. Once violations drop off your record after 24 months, your point total will decrease automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work during a suspension?
No. Michigan does not issue restricted licenses that allow you to drive for work, school, or medical appointments during a point suspension. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense. If you are caught, you face additional fines, points, and possible jail time.
Will my insurance company know about the suspension?
Yes. Insurance companies check driving records regularly. A suspension will likely cause your rates to increase significantly or result in cancellation. You must report the suspension to your insurance company; failing to do so can void your coverage.
How long do points stay on my record?
Points drop off your record exactly 24 months after the violation date. However, the violation itself may remain on your driving record permanently for insurance and employment purposes. Only the points expire.
What if I get another violation while suspended?
Operating with a suspended license is a 6-point violation. If you are convicted, those 6 points are added to your record. This can lead to a longer suspension or revocation. You should not drive during a suspension under any circumstances.
Can I get points removed early?
No. Points cannot be removed before the 24-month period ends. You cannot pay a fee or take a course to erase points early. The only way to reduce your point total is to wait for violations to age off your record.