27th Sep 2022

Michigan Driver’s Record Point System
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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

So, you have been pulled over, issued a ticket, and now have points on your driver’s record. But do you understand the point system and how it can affect you? When you commit a traffic offense and are found guilty of that offense, you will more than likely be issued fines and points on your driver’s license.

In Michigan, when you pay a fine for a traffic violation, you are admitting guilt to that violation. When you admit guilt and receive a conviction or are found responsible for a civil infraction, you will be issued points on your record. The number of points you receive depends if the violation was a civil infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony. For civil infractions you will typically see two points. Whereas a felony, you will more than likely receive six points. If you are issued points, they will stay on your record for two years.

The State of Michigan says that you could see TWO points on your driver’s record for the following violations:

  • Six to ten miles per hour over the speed limit.
  • Having an open alcohol container in the vehicle.
  • All other moving violations of traffic laws.
  • Refusing to take a preliminary breathalyzer if you are under 21.
  • Driving with a suspended license.

The State of Michigan says that you could see THREE points on your driver’s record for the following violations:

  • Careless driving.
  • Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign.
  • 11 to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit.
  • Failure to stop at a railroad crossing.
  • Failure to stop for a school bus.
  • Failure to obey a school crossing guard.

The State of Michigan says you could see FOUR points on your driver’s record for the following violations:

  • Drag racing.
  • Operating a vehicle while visually impaired.
  • Under 21-year-old driving with any bodily alcohol content.
  • 16 miles per hour or more over the speed limit.
  • Failure to yield or slow down for emergency vehicles.

The State of Michigan says you could see SIX points on your driver’s record for the following violations:

  • Manslaughter, negligent homicide, or another felony involving the use of a motor vehicle.
  • Operating a vehicle while intoxicated or with a BAC greater than or equal to .17.
  • Operating a vehicle with any presence of a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Refusing to take an evidentiary chemical test.
  • Fleeing or eluding a police officer.
  • Failing to stop and give identification at the scene of an accident.
  • Moving violation causing severe injury or death.
  • Failure to yield causing death or injury of an emergency responder, construction worker, or person operating implements of animal husbandry.

There are instances where you have to undergo a driver assessment reexamination. This would happen if you have six or more one-point violations in a two-year period or 12 or more points on your record in a two-year period. If you are required to have a reexamination, you will meet with an analyst from the Secretary of State where they will conduct a meeting to discuss your driving record. They may also require that you take a vision test, knowledge tests, or an on-road performance test. The analyst will decide if your license should be restricted, suspended, or even revoked. If your license is revoked, you have to wait one to five years before you are eligible to apply for your license back.

If you believe you have been unfairly issued points on your driver’s record, you can contest it. It would be a good idea for you to hire legal representation so an attorney can work out the best deal for you. They would try to have your infraction reduced to a lesser infraction.

Auto insurance companies are aware when you accumulate points on your driver’s record. When this happens, they typically increase your rates. This is another reason to hire an attorney to help you through this process since they will try to have your points reduced on the charge.

It is important to remember that driving is a privilege. Be wise and be safe!