Michigan suspends your license when you reach 12 points within a two-year period
In Michigan, the Secretary of State tracks traffic violations using a point system. Each violation adds a set number of points to your driving record. When your total reaches 12 points in any two-year period, your license is automatically suspended for 30 days on your first suspension, 60 days on your second, and one year on your third and beyond.
The two-year window resets after each suspension. This means points from violations older than two years no longer count toward your total. If you get a violation today, it stops counting two years from today — but only if you haven't already been suspended during that window.
You do not get a warning at 11 points. The Secretary of State's office sends you a suspension notice in the mail once you cross 12 points. By the time you receive it, your suspension is already in effect.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspends automatically when you accumulate 12 points within any two-year rolling period.
- Different violations carry different point values — a speeding ticket is 3 points, but reckless driving is 6 points.
- Points from violations older than two years no longer count, but the two-year clock resets if you get suspended.
- You can request a hearing with the Secretary of State within seven days of receiving your suspension notice to challenge the suspension.
- Completing a defensive driving course may reduce points on your record, though this depends on the violation type and when you take the course.
What each type of violation costs in points
Michigan assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Speeding violations are worth 3 points if you are 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit, and 4 points if you are 11 to 15 miles per hour over. Going 16 miles per hour or more over the limit is 6 points.
More serious violations carry higher point values. Reckless driving is 6 points. Improper lane change is 3 points. Failure to stop at a red light is 3 points. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is 6 points. At-fault accidents where you caused injury or property damage are 3 points each.
Some violations, like parking tickets or equipment violations, do not add points to your driving record at all. You can check your actual driving record through the Secretary of State's website or by requesting a copy by mail.
How the two-year rolling period actually works
The two-year window is not a calendar year. It is a rolling period that moves forward with time. If you get a violation on March 15, 2024, that violation stops counting on March 15, 2026 — unless you have already been suspended.
Once you are suspended, the clock resets. Your suspension notice will tell you the date your current two-year period began. All points from violations before that date no longer count. Points from violations after that date are what matter for your next suspension.
This means you could have 11 points, wait for one to drop off after two years, fall back to 10 points, and then get a new violation that pushes you back to 13 points — triggering a suspension. The timing of violations matters as much as the total.
What happens when you receive a suspension notice
The Secretary of State mails you a suspension notice that includes the date your suspension begins and ends. Your license is suspended when ready — you do not have a grace period to drive while you wait for the notice to arrive. If you drive during the suspension period, you are breaking the law.
You have seven days from the date on the notice to request a hearing. This hearing is your chance to challenge whether the points were correctly recorded or whether the violation itself was valid. You can request the hearing by mail, phone, or online through the Secretary of State's office.
If you do not request a hearing within seven days, your suspension stands for the full length. A first suspension is 30 days. A second suspension within seven years is 60 days. A third or later suspension is one year.
How defensive driving courses affect your points
Completing a defensive driving course approved by the Secretary of State can reduce points on your record, but only under specific conditions. You can remove up to 4 points by taking the course, but only once every 12 months. You also cannot use a course to reduce points if the violation involved alcohol, drugs, or a suspended license.
The course must be completed before you request the point reduction. You will need to provide proof of completion to the Secretary of State. The reduction is not automatic — you have to ask for it.
Taking a defensive driving course does not prevent a suspension if you have already reached 12 points. It only helps if you take it before you accumulate that many points. Some people take a course when they are at 10 or 11 points to bring themselves back below the suspension threshold.
What you can do if you are close to 12 points
If you check your driving record and see you are at 9, 10, or 11 points, you have options. First, check the dates of your oldest violations. If any are more than two years old, they will drop off automatically on their anniversary date. Knowing when that happens tells you whether you can stay below 12 points without action.
If you are at 10 or 11 points and your oldest violations are not dropping off soon, a defensive driving course is worth considering. The cost is typically $20 to $50 for the course itself, which is far less than the cost of a suspension — lost work time, higher insurance rates, and the expense of getting your license reinstated.
Avoid getting any new violations. A single 3-point speeding ticket could push you from 11 to 14 points and trigger a suspension. Even a minor violation becomes expensive when you are close to the threshold.
How to check your current point total
You can view your driving record through the Secretary of State's website at michigan.gov/sos. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online record shows all violations from the past three years and your current point total.
If you prefer not to check online, you can request a copy of your driving record by mail. The Secretary of State charges a small fee for this service. Mail requests take longer than online access, so if you need the information quickly, the website is faster.
Your driving record is the official source of truth. If you believe a violation was recorded incorrectly or a point value is wrong, you can dispute it through the Secretary of State's office. Bring documentation of the original ticket and any court records related to the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during my suspension if I get a special permit?
Michigan does not issue special permits that allow you to drive during a suspension for accumulating points. You cannot drive for any reason during the suspension period. If you need to drive for work, you may be able to request a hearing to challenge the suspension, but the suspension itself cannot be waived.
Do points from other states count toward my Michigan suspension?
No. Only violations recorded in Michigan count toward your 12-point threshold. However, violations from other states may still affect your insurance rates and could result in suspensions in those states. If you move to Michigan, your out-of-state record does not transfer.
What happens to my points if I get a ticket dismissed in court?
If a ticket is dismissed or you are found not guilty, that violation should not appear on your driving record and should not add points. If it still shows up after the dismissal, contact the Secretary of State with a copy of the court order to have it removed.
How much does it cost to reinstate my license after suspension?
Michigan charges a reinstatement fee of $125 to restore your license after a suspension for points. You must pay this fee and any other outstanding fines before your license is reinstated. You cannot drive until the fee is paid and processed.
If I get suspended, will my insurance rates go up?
Yes. A suspension appears on your driving record and is visible to insurance companies. Most insurers will increase your rates significantly after a suspension. Some may even cancel your policy. Shop around after your suspension ends, as rates vary by company.