Points, tickets and licence suspension in Oklahoma

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how the Mandatory Point System works
• You can name the point values for common violations
• You can describe how points come off your record
• You can explain why one ticket matters more for a driver under 18
• You can list offenses that lead to mandatory revocation

What you need to know and understand

• Your license will be suspended if you collect 10 or more points within 5 years
• Speeding is 2 points, or 3 points if you were more than 25 mph over the limit
• Reckless driving and failing to stop for a loading school bus are 4 points each
• Two points come off for each 12 month period with no pointable convictions, and points go to zero after 3 clean years
• Completing an approved defensive driving or compliance course can remove 2 points, once every 24 months
• Texting, school zone phone use and seat belt tickets do not add points
• Licenses held by drivers under 18 are probationary, and Service Oklahoma may suspend or cancel them for any moving violation

Points for common violations

• Reckless driving: 4
• Failing to stop or remain stopped for a school bus: 4
• Speeding more than 25 mph over the limit: 3
• Speeding: 2
• Careless driving, following too closely, failing to obey a stop sign or signal, failing to yield, driving left of center or the wrong way on a one-way street: 2 each
• Violating a license restriction, such as the intermediate time or passenger limits: 2
• Operating a defective vehicle and most other moving violations: 1

Getting points back off

Points do not stay forever. For every 12 months without a pointable conviction, 2 points are removed, and if you go three years in a row with no traffic convictions your total drops to zero. You can also take a defensive driving or driver compliance course approved by Service Oklahoma to remove 2 points, but only once every 24 months, and your total cannot go below zero. Our separate guide to the Oklahoma points system walks through more examples.

Why teens need to be extra careful

Until you turn 18, your license is probationary. Service Oklahoma can suspend or cancel it for any moving violation, without waiting for 10 points. A traffic conviction also restarts your graduated license waiting period, so a ticket during the permit or intermediate stage can delay your next step by months.

Some offenses bring mandatory revocation instead of points, including DUI, any felony involving a vehicle, leaving the scene of an injury crash and, for drivers under 21, driving with any measurable alcohol. Driving while suspended is a separate crime with serious penalties.

Keep your address up to date

Service Oklahoma sends legal notices to the address on file. You must report a move within 10 days. If you do not, your license could be suspended without you ever seeing the letter.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring a small ticket. Even 1 or 2 points can lead to action on a probationary license.
• Ignoring an unpaid fine for a moving violation. A court can still ask Service Oklahoma to suspend your license, so pay on time or ask the court for a payment plan.
• Forgetting to update your address after moving, then missing a suspension notice.
• Assuming a defensive driving course can be used every year. Credit is allowed only once every 24 months.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Oklahoma

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Oklahoma Points System
• Oklahoma Work Zone Safe Course
• How to Get a Driver’s License in Oklahoma