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This page is for Michigan teens and new drivers who want to know how tickets turn into points, how long points last and what happens when they add up. Michigan’s Department of State (Secretary of State, SOS) gives each moving violation 2, 3, 4 or 6 points. Points stay on your record for two years from the conviction date. For a graduated license holder, any violation can also delay the move to the next license level.
Key facts
- Points are set by state law (MCL 257.320a) and added when you are convicted, not when you get the ticket.
- Points stay on your driving record for two years from the conviction date. SOS cannot remove them or set aside a court conviction.
- SOS may call you for a driver reexamination at 12 or more points in two years.
- Drivers under 21 face Zero Tolerance: any alcohol in the body while driving can bring 4 points and a restricted license.
How many points is each Michigan ticket?
| Points | Examples of violations |
|---|---|
| 6 | Reckless driving; refusing a chemical test; failing to stop and identify yourself after a crash; fleeing or eluding police; a felony involving a motor vehicle |
| 4 | Drag racing; impaired driving; any bodily alcohol content when under 21; 16 mph or more over the speed limit |
| 3 | Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign; improper passing; 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit |
| 2 | 6 to 10 mph over the speed limit; open alcohol container in the vehicle; most other moving violations |
The list in the official handbook is longer. Check Chapter 2 of “What Every Driver Must Know” for a specific offense.
Phone tickets work differently. A first hands-free law ticket adds no points, a second adds 1 and a third or later adds 2. The Michigan State Police say a Kelsey’s Law ticket (the teen phone ban) adds none. Details are in Michigan Kelsey’s Law and the hands-free law.
What happens as points build up
- Warning letter: SOS writes to drivers with four points in two years to tell them their record is worse than average.
- Driver reexamination: SOS may require a reexamination if you reach 12 or more points within two years.
- Other reexamination triggers include three at-fault crashes in two years, a fatal crash, convictions for breaking license restrictions, or reason to believe you are unfit to drive.
A reexamination can end with no action, added restrictions, or suspension. Bring your license and any paperwork SOS asks for.
Michigan rules that hit young drivers hardest
Graduated license progress
- Level 1 to Level 2: no moving violations, at-fault crashes or suspensions in the 90 days before you apply.
- Level 2 to Level 3: 12 months in a row with no moving violations, at-fault crashes, suspensions or GDL restriction violations.
So one ticket can push back your Level 3 license, even if the points are low. The stages are explained in Michigan graduated licensing Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Zero Tolerance for drivers under 21
Under 21, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.02 to 0.07, or with any alcohol in your body except from a recognized religious ceremony. SOS lists these consequences for a first offense:
- 4 points on your record
- a 30-day license restriction
- a fine and community service set by the court (official sources give different maximums, so check the current figure with SOS or the court)
Refusing a preliminary breath test when under 21 adds 2 points and is a civil infraction. A blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more is handled as adult drunk driving (OWI), with much heavier penalties. The national picture is in zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.
Worked example
A Level 2 driver is convicted of 12 mph over the limit (3 points) in March, then runs a stop sign (3 points) in August. That is 6 points, under the 12-point reexamination level. But the 12-month clean period needed for Level 3 restarts after each conviction, so the earliest Level 3 date moves to 12 months after the August conviction. Both sets of points stay on the record for two years.
Common questions
How long do points stay on a Michigan driving record?
Two years from the date of conviction.
How many points before you lose your license in Michigan?
There is no automatic cutoff. At 12 or more points in two years, SOS may call you for a reexamination, which can lead to suspension.
Can I get points taken off my record?
SOS says it cannot remove points or set aside a conviction. Points drop off after two years.
Does a parking ticket give points?
Points are for moving violations. Parking tickets are not moving violations.
Is 0.02 really the limit for under 21s in Michigan?
Zero Tolerance covers 0.02 to 0.07 or any alcohol in your body. In practice, the only safe amount is none.
Do out-of-state tickets count?
Your driving record from a previous state becomes part of your Michigan record when you move. See moving to Michigan.
How other states compare: points systems and license suspensions in the US. Start from learning to drive in Michigan for the full process.
Sources
- Michigan Department of State, “What Every Driver Must Know”, October 2025, Chapter 2: Your Driving Record (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Point System” and “How does the Michigan penalty point system work?” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Substance Abuse and Driving” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Legislature, “MCL Section 257.320a” and “MCL Section 257.320” (legislature.mi.gov)
- Michigan Judicial Institute, Traffic Benchbook, “Holding or Using a Mobile Electronic Device While Driving” (courts.michigan.gov)
- Michigan State Police, “Kelsey’s Law flyer” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Drivers under 18” FAQs (michigan.gov)