Michigan · Handbook chapter 2 · 4 min read
Chapter 2: Your driving record and points
What goes on a Michigan driving record and for how long, how the point system works, the point values for common violations, and when a driver assessment reexamination is required.
Why this chapter matters
A Michigan license is a privilege you keep only by continuing to drive safely. Tickets, crashes and some drug crimes are reported to the Secretary of State, points pile up, and enough of them brings a reexamination. Point values and time limits are common test questions.
What is on your record
- The Secretary of State receives information from police and the courts, including moving violations, crashes and certain drug crimes.
- Crashes and convictions in other states are reported too, and they appear on your Michigan record with Michigan point values.
- Most convictions stay on the record for at least seven years. Some convictions and licensing actions stay at least 10 years.
- A conviction for a fatality or for impaired driving stays on your record permanently.
- You may buy a copy of your own record at any Secretary of State office.
- Under the Driver Privacy Protection Act, personal information such as your name, address and license number is released only for uses the law allows, such as insurance rating, vehicle recalls or rental car checks.
How points work
- Violations may be civil infractions, misdemeanors or felonies.
- Ignoring a ticket usually leads to a license suspension. Moving violations while suspended bring more suspensions and a reinstatement fee.
- Points go on your record only after a conviction for a moving violation, and they stay for two years from the conviction date.
- 12 or more points in two years, or six or more one-point violations in two years, means a driver assessment reexamination.
- Secretary of State points are separate from the points an insurance company uses to set rates.
- If you think a ticket was unfair, raise it in court. The Secretary of State cannot set aside a court conviction.
Point values
| Points | Examples |
|---|---|
| 6 | Manslaughter, negligent homicide or other felony involving a vehicle; operating while intoxicated or with any Schedule 1 drug or cocaine; failing to stop and identify yourself at a crash; reckless driving; refusing a chemical test; fleeing police; failure to yield that kills or injures an emergency responder or road worker; a moving violation causing injury or death |
| 4 | Drag racing; impaired driving; under 21 with any bodily alcohol content; 16 mph or more over the limit |
| 3 | Careless driving; disobeying a signal or stop sign; improper passing; 11 to 15 mph over; failing to stop at a railroad crossing; failing to stop for a school bus or obey a school crossing guard |
| 2 | 6 to 10 mph over; open alcohol container; all other moving violations; refusing a preliminary breath test under 21; failing to yield to emergency vehicles |
Work zone speeding carries extra points: see Chapter 4.
Driver reexaminations
The Secretary of State may call you to a reexamination when:
- There is reason to think you are unfit to drive, or have a physical, vision or mental condition that makes driving unsafe.
- You were in a fatal crash and the report says you were negligent or had been drinking.
- You had three or more crashes causing injury or damage in two years.
- You have 12 or more points in two years.
- You were convicted of violating the restrictions on your license.
Probationary and GDL drivers may be called in after only one or two violations.
At the reexamination a driver analyst reviews your record and talks with you about your driving. The result may be restrictions, a suspension, a revocation or a combination, and you will be told your appeal rights. A reexamination for medical reasons may include vision, written and road tests.
Frequently asked questions
How long do points stay on a Michigan record?
Two years from the date of conviction.
How many points lead to a reexamination?
12 or more points within two years, or six or more one-point violations within two years.
How many points is reckless driving?
Six points, the same as refusing a chemical test or fleeing police.
How many points for going 12 mph over the limit?
Three points. 6 to 10 mph over is two points, and 16 mph or more over is four.
Do out-of-state tickets count in Michigan?
Yes. Convictions in other states are posted to your Michigan record with Michigan point values.
How long does an impaired driving conviction stay on my record?
Permanently, as does a conviction involving a fatality.
Based on What Every Driver Must Know (Michigan Department of State).