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Oregon does not use a points system. Oregon DMV runs a Driver Improvement Program that counts “driver improvement offenses”: traffic convictions and preventable crashes. For drivers under 18, two offenses bring a 90-day work-and-school-only restriction and three bring a 6-month suspension. Adults get a 30-day night restriction at three offenses in 24 months and a 30-day suspension at five. This guide explains both programs, the one-year suspension for serious offenses, and the under-21 alcohol rules.
Key facts (Oregon, as of November 2026)
- No points. Oregon DMV counts driver improvement offenses under OAR 735-072.
- What counts: a conviction for an offense listed in OAR 735-064-0220 (Tables 1 and 2), or a preventable collision.
- Two programs: the Provisional Driver Improvement Program (ages 14 to 17) and the Adult Driver Improvement Program (18 and over).
- Serious offenses such as reckless driving or DUII mean a one-year suspension for a provisional driver, on top of any court penalty.
- Under 21: any amount of alcohol in your blood while driving can lead to a suspension.
What is a driver improvement offense in Oregon?
DMV records one on your driving record when you are either:
- convicted of a traffic offense on the listed tables, or
- involved in a preventable collision.
DMV’s teen driving guide names the common behaviors behind teen offenses: dangerous left turns, speeding, failing to stop and stay stopped at a red light, and breaking any provisional license restriction. DMV reviews your record automatically each time a new offense is recorded.
Oregon rules for drivers under 18 (Provisional Driver Improvement Program)
| Driver improvement offenses | What DMV does |
|---|---|
| 2 (convictions, preventable collisions, or one of each) | 90-day restriction: you may drive only to, from or for school or work |
| 3 | 6-month suspension, which continues even if you turn 18 during it |
| Each one after 3 | A further 6-month suspension |
| Conviction for a serious offense (any number) | 1-year suspension |
Serious offenses include, among others, reckless driving, failure to perform the duties of a driver (such as leaving a crash scene), driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
These restrictions and suspensions are separate from, and added to, any fine or other penalty from the court. Breaking a driver improvement restriction can itself lead to suspension or revocation.
Scenario
A 16-year-old with a provisional license gets a speeding conviction in May and causes a preventable fender-bender in August. That is two offenses, so DMV restricts driving to school and work for 90 days. A red-light conviction in December would be the third offense and bring a 6-month suspension, even if the driver turns 17 or 18 in the meantime.
The provisional license’s own passenger and night limits are in Oregon provisional license rules.
Oregon rules for drivers 18 and over (Adult Driver Improvement Program)
| Driver improvement offenses within 24 months | What DMV does |
|---|---|
| 3 | 30-day restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., except to commute or for work |
| 5 | 30-day suspension |
| Each one after 5 within two years | A further 30-day suspension |
Turning 18 moves you to the adult program, but it does not end a provisional suspension that has already started.
Alcohol and drug rules for young Oregon drivers
- Under 21: under Oregon’s implied consent law, any amount of alcohol in your blood while driving may result in a suspension.
- DUII arrest, failed breath test: 90-day suspension, or one year with a prior alcohol-related offense.
- DUII arrest, refused breath test: one-year suspension, or three years with a prior alcohol-related offense.
- Alcohol or drug offenses with no driving: a conviction for possessing, using or trying to buy alcohol, or for a controlled substance offense including marijuana, can lead a court to deny driving privileges for one year or more.
More: zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.
Parents can end a teen’s license
A parent who gave consent for a permit or license can withdraw it. DMV then cancels the license or permit and driving privileges end.
Can a course keep an offense off an Oregon record?
Ask the DMV whether any course removes a driver improvement offense once it is recorded. An offense depends on a conviction or a preventable collision. If a court offers a class or another outcome for a ticket, ask whether it results in a conviction being reported to DMV. More: getting a traffic ticket as a new driver.
Common questions
Does Oregon have a points system?
No. It counts driver improvement offenses (convictions and preventable collisions) instead.
How many tickets before a teen loses their license in Oregon?
Two offenses bring a 90-day restriction. Three bring a 6-month suspension.
Does a crash count if I didn’t get a ticket?
It can. A preventable collision counts as a driver improvement offense.
Does the suspension stop when I turn 18?
No. DMV says a 6-month provisional suspension continues even if you turn 18 before it ends.
What is the adult restriction?
For 30 days you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., except to commute or for work.
How do other states compare?
See points systems and license suspensions in the US.
Main guide: learning to drive in Oregon.
Sources
- Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services, “Suspensions, Revocations and Cancellations” (oregon.gov)
- Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services, “Does DMV Monitor My Driving Record?”, Online Parent Guide to Teen Driving (oregon.gov)
- Oregon Secretary of State, Oregon Administrative Rules chapter 735, division 72, “Driver Improvement” (sos.oregon.gov)