Michigan suspends licenses for drivers under 18 when they reach 4 points within a 12-month period
If you are under 18 in Michigan, your license suspension happens faster than it does for adult drivers. Adults can accumulate 12 points before suspension; you face suspension at 4 points. These points stay on your record for two years from the date of the violation, and they reset only if you go 12 months without adding new violations.
The state tracks points through the Secretary of State's office. When you hit 4 points, the Secretary of State sends you a notice of suspension by mail. Your license becomes invalid on the date shown in that notice, which is typically 10 to 14 days after the letter is mailed. You cannot drive legally after that date, even if you have not received the physical notice yet.
Key Takeaways
- Teen drivers in Michigan face suspension at 4 points within 12 months, compared to 12 points for drivers 18 and older.
- Points come from traffic violations like speeding, running a red light, or at-fault accidents, and stay on your record for two years.
- The Secretary of State mails a suspension notice when you reach 4 points; your license becomes invalid about 10 to 14 days after the letter is sent.
- You can request a hearing to challenge the suspension if you believe the violation was recorded incorrectly or if you have other grounds to contest it.
Which violations add points to your record
Not every traffic ticket adds points. Parking violations, equipment violations (like a broken taillight), and some other minor infractions do not count. Points come from moving violations — things you did while driving that created a safety risk.
Common violations that add points include speeding (usually 2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit), running a red light or stop sign (3 points), improper lane change (2 points), and at-fault accidents (3 to 6 points depending on the severity). Reckless driving is 6 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points. If you cause an accident while violating a traffic law, the points for the violation explore, plus additional points for the accident itself.
The exact points for each violation are set by Michigan law. If you received a ticket and are not sure whether it carries points, you can call the Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division at 517-322-1460 to ask.
How to check your current point total
You can look up your own driving record through the Secretary of State's website. Go to sos.mi.gov and search for "driving record." You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online record shows all violations from the past two years and your current point total.
You can also request a copy of your record by mail or in person at a Secretary of State office. The online version is faster and free. Print or save a copy for your records — you will need it if you want to request a hearing or if you are working with a lawyer.
What happens when you receive the suspension notice
The Secretary of State mails a formal notice to the address on your license. This letter tells you the suspension date, the reason (4 points in 12 months), and your options. Read it carefully and keep it, because you will need it if you want to drive during the suspension period.
Once the suspension date passes, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Michigan and carries fines, jail time, and additional points on your record. If you are stopped by police, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license in addition to any other violations.
The suspension lasts until you complete the reinstatement process. For a first suspension at 4 points, you typically must wait until your points drop below 4 (which happens when violations age off your record after two years) or until you complete a driver improvement course, if one is available to you.
Requesting a hearing to contest the suspension
You have the right to request a hearing before the suspension takes effect. The notice you receive will include instructions and a important date — usually 10 days from the date the notice was mailed. You must request the hearing in writing by that important date.
At the hearing, you can present evidence that the violation was recorded incorrectly, that the points were calculated wrong, or that you have other grounds to contest the suspension. You can represent yourself or bring a lawyer. The hearing officer will review your case and decide whether to uphold or overturn the suspension.
Requesting a hearing does not automatically stop the suspension. The suspension takes effect on the date in the notice unless the hearing officer rules in your favor before that date. If you request a hearing after the suspension date has already passed, you can still have the hearing, but you cannot drive until it is resolved.
How to get your license back after suspension
Reinstatement depends on why your license was suspended and whether you have had other suspensions. For a suspension at 4 points, you generally must do one of the following: wait until your points drop below 4 (which takes two years from the violation date if you receive no new violations), or complete a driver improvement course if the Secretary of State offers one for your situation.
Once you meet the reinstatement requirement, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. This fee varies but is typically $100 to $125. You can pay it online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. After payment is processed, your license is restored.
If you receive another violation while your license is suspended, you cannot reinstate it until that new violation is resolved. Each new violation extends the problem and can lead to a longer suspension or revocation.
Staying under the 4-point threshold
The best way to avoid suspension is to avoid violations. Even one speeding ticket can be 2 to 4 points depending on the speed. Two tickets in a year can put you at or near the suspension threshold. As a teen driver, you are also subject to Michigan's Graduated Driver License (GDL) law, which has its own restrictions — like limits on passengers and phone use — that carry separate penalties if violated.
If you have already accumulated points, focus on staying violation-free for the next two years. Each month that passes without a new violation brings you closer to having old violations age off your record. Once a violation is two years old, it no longer counts toward your point total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do points from out-of-state violations count toward my Michigan suspension?
Yes. Michigan's point system includes violations from other states if they are reported to Michigan through the Interstate Compact. The points and suspension rules are the same. If you are unsure whether an out-of-state ticket was reported, check your driving record online or call the Secretary of State.
Can I get a hardship license to drive during suspension?
Michigan does not issue hardship licenses for point-based suspensions for drivers under 18. You cannot drive legally during the suspension period, even for school or work. Once you complete reinstatement, your full license is restored.
What if I was in an accident but was not at fault?
If you were not at fault, the accident should not add points to your record. However, if the other driver's insurance company or police report lists you as at-fault, points will be added. You can request a hearing to challenge the at-fault information and present evidence that you were not responsible for the accident.
Do I have to tell my parents or school if my license is suspended?
The suspension notice goes to you, not automatically to your parents or school. However, you cannot drive legally, so if you are caught driving, the consequences will be serious. It is a good idea to tell your parents so they understand the situation and can help you plan transportation.
Can I take a driver improvement course to avoid suspension?
Some driver improvement courses can reduce points or prevent suspension, but availability and rules vary. Ask the Secretary of State whether a course is an option for your situation before you reach 4 points. Taking a course voluntarily may help, but it is not may provide to stop a suspension that has already been triggered.