Traffic Ticket Points Laws: 50-State Survey

Driving is an essential part of life for many Americans. While people often take driving for granted, it is a privilege rather than a right, and a privilege that must be exercised responsibly. Getting a traffic ticket may seem like a minor inconvenience, but most states assess “points” for a violation. The number of points is proportionate to the severity of the violation. A driver may face a license suspension if they accumulate too many points. Even if a state does not have a points system, a driver may face a license suspension if they accumulate too many violations.

Thus, a driver should keep track of the points or violations on their record and know the threshold that triggers a suspension. While drivers often pay tickets without contesting them, a driver who thinks that their ticket may not be valid should consider fighting the ticket to avoid points and other penalties associated with it. If they do not have a strong argument against a ticket, a driver may be able to explore options such as point reduction programs or hardship licenses, although the availability of these options varies by state.

Read more below about the points system (or the equivalent) in each state, as well as license suspensions that can result from accumulating too many points or violations.

In each state entry, “least serious violations” means the least serious violations for which points are assessed. Some states do not assess any points for certain very minor violations.

Alabama

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 24 months

When an Alabama driver has accumulated 12-14 points in a two-year period, their license will be suspended for 60 days. The suspension lasts for 90 days when a driver has accumulated 15-17 points in two years, for 120 days when a driver has accumulated 18-20 points in two years, for 180 days when a driver has accumulated 21-23 points in two years, and for 365 days when a driver has accumulated 24 or more points in two years. When a traffic conviction is two years old, it loses its point count for suspension purposes but stays on a driver’s record.

Alaska

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 10 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 12 months (or 18 points in 24 months)

When an Alaska driver gets halfway to a license suspension, they will receive a warning letter to advise them to correct their driving behavior. If a driver repeatedly violates traffic laws, they may be required to attend a personal interview with a Motor Vehicle Hearing Officer and comply with certain recommendations to improve their driving abilities. A driver can take a defensive driver course once every 12 months to get a point reduction. No “work purpose” license is available if a suspension is issued.

A provisional license holder who accumulates six points in 12 months, or nine points in 24 months, must complete a driver improvement course.

Arizona

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 8 points
Suspension trigger: 8 points in 12 months

When an Arizona driver accumulates eight or more points in 12 months, they may be required to attend Traffic Survival School, or they may have their license suspended for up to 12 months. A single DUI (or extreme DUI), reckless driving, or aggressive driving violation may lead to a suspension, since each violation is worth eight points. Speeding and most other moving violations are worth only two or three points. Hit and runs and right-of-way violations that cause serious injury or death fall within an intermediate range.

Defensive driving schools are administered through the Arizona Supreme Court. If a driver is eligible, they can attend this program to get one violation dismissed. To be eligible, a driver must not have attended a defensive driving course for an eligible traffic citation issued in the last 12 months, among other requirements.

Arkansas

Least serious violations: 3 points
Most serious violations: 8 points
Suspension trigger: 14 points in 36 months

When an Arkansas driver reaches 10 points in a 36-month period, they will receive a warning letter so that they can try to avoid future violations. A hearing is automatically scheduled if a driver reaches 14 points. The Hearing Officer will explain the rules regarding the points system and the consequences of violations, which may involve probation or a license suspension. If a driver does not attend this hearing, their license will be automatically suspended.

California

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 2 points
Suspension trigger: 4 points in 12 months (or 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months)

A California driver will receive a warning letter when they have accumulated two points in 12 months, four points in 24 months, or six points in 36 months. They will receive a notice of intent to suspend letter if they accumulate three points in 12 months, five points in 24 months, or seven points in 36 months. Finally, an order of probation/suspension will be issued if they accumulate four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in 36 months. This involves one year of probation, including a six-month suspension. The action takes effect 34 days after the date when the order is mailed. An additional suspension will be imposed if a driver violates their probation.

Colorado

Least serious violations: 4 points
Most serious violations: 12 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 12 months (or 18 points in 24 months) for drivers age 21 and older; see below for younger drivers

When determining the length of a license suspension, a hearing officer uses six months as the base period and then evaluates aggravating and mitigating factors related to that driver. A suspension must not last longer than one year. Aggravating factors include repeat violations of the same type, accidents, and serious offenses. Mitigating factors include proof of improved driving behaviors. The hearing officer also has discretion regarding whether to grant a probationary license.

A Colorado driver who is 17 or younger will face a license suspension if they accumulate six points within 12 months, or seven points at any point before turning 18. A driver between the ages of 18 and 21 will face a license suspension if they accumulate nine points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 14 points at any time between ages 18 and 21. Professional drivers are subject to a separate points system.

Connecticut

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 5 points
Suspension trigger: Over 10 points in 24 months

If a Connecticut driver gets six points on their license, they will receive a warning letter from the DMV. An ordinary license suspension lasts for 30 days, but a driver who again has a point total over 10 points within five years of the beginning of the 30-day suspension will have their license suspended until their point total is reduced to or below 10 points.

A driver whose license has been suspended may apply for a Special Operator’s Permit to go to work or school, or to get medical treatment. If a driver is 25 or older, they must complete an Operator Retraining Program if they have three moving violations or suspension violations on their driving record. A driver who is 24 or younger must complete this program if they have two moving violations or suspension violations.

Delaware

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 14 calculated points in 24 months

The Delaware points system calculates points attached to traffic violations at full point value for the first 12 months from the date of the violation, and at half-point value for the next 12 months. A driver will receive an advisory letter from the Delaware DMV if they have accumulated eight calculated points. Once a driver accumulates 12 calculated points, they must complete a behavior modification/attitudinal driving course within 90 days after notification or face a two-month license suspension.

Once a driver reaches 14 calculated points, they will receive a four-month license suspension. The suspension lasts for six months if the driver has 16 calculated points, eight months for 18 calculated points, 10 months for 20 calculated points, and 12 months for 22 calculated points. To be eligible for reinstatement, they must have completed a behavior modification/attitudinal driving course within the previous two years as of the time of reinstatement.

Florida

Least serious violations: 3 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 12 months (or 18 points in 18 months, or 24 points in 36 months)

Points remain on the record of a Florida driver for five years after their conviction of a traffic violation. A license suspension based on accumulating 12 points in 12 months lasts for 30 days. A suspension based on 18 points in 18 months lasts for three months, while a suspension based on 24 points in 36 months lasts for one year. A driver can pursue a hardship license during the period of a license suspension, which allows them to drive for employment or business purposes. To get a hardship license, they must complete Advanced Driver Improvement school and pay a reinstatement fee, among other fees.

Georgia

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 15 points in 24 months

While Georgia assesses points for many types of violations, certain violations will not result in adding points to a driving record. These include speeding less than 15 mph over the posted speed limit and driving too fast for conditions. Georgia offers a point reduction program, which allows a driver to reduce up to seven points on their license once every five years. To qualify for this program, a driver must complete a certified Driver Improvement course.

Hawaii

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Hawaii does not have a points system for traffic violations. A driver may have their license suspended based on committing certain offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, or refusing a blood alcohol concentration test.

Idaho

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 4 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 12 months (or 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months)

An Idaho driver will receive a warning letter if they accumulate 8-11 points in 12 months, 14-17 points in 24 months, or 20-23 points in 36 months. A license suspension will last for 30 days if the driver has accumulated 12-17 points in 12 months, for 90 days if the driver has accumulated 18-23 points in 24 months, and for six months if a driver has accumulated 24 or more points in 36 months. A driver may reduce their point total by three points once every three years by completing a defensive driving course. A driver whose license has been suspended may pursue a restricted driving permit that will allow them to drive to work, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential places.

Illinois

Least serious violations: 5 points
Most serious violations: 55 points
Suspension trigger: 3 violations (at least 15 points) in 12 months for drivers 21 and older; see below for younger drivers

The length of a license suspension in Illinois generally is two months when a driver has accumulated 15-44 points, three months when a driver has accumulated 45-74 points, six months when a driver has accumulated 75-89 points, nine months when a driver has accumulated 90-99 points, and 12 months when a driver has accumulated 100-109 points. A total of 110 points or more will lead to license revocation. A driver under age 21 will have their license suspended or revoked when they commit two or more offenses in 24 months.

A moving violation remains on a driver’s record for four to five years after the conviction. If a suspension or revocation resulted, the information will remain on their record for at least seven years after reinstatement. Alcohol and drug offenses will remain on their record permanently.

Indiana

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 10 points
Suspension trigger: 20 points in 24 months

When an Indiana driver has accumulated 14-18 points on their record, they will receive a warning notice from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A license suspension lasts for one month if a driver has accumulated 20 points. For each additional two-point increment, the suspension will extend for an additional month, up to 12 months if the driver has accumulated 42 or more points. If a driver commits three moving violations in 12 months, they may be required to submit to an administrative hearing.

A person convicted of two or more traffic offenses in 12 months may be required to complete a Driver Safety Program. Drivers under 21 must complete this program if they are convicted of two or more traffic offenses.

Iowa

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 3 points-based violations (at least 6 points) in 6 years; see below for non-points-based violations

The Iowa points system for traffic violations covers relatively serious offenses, such as DUI and driving on a suspended license. Three or more of these convictions in six years may result in a classification as a habitual offender. A driver who accumulates 6-7 points will face a two-year bar, a driver with 8-9 points will face a three-year bar, a driver with 10-12 points will face a four-year bar, a driver with 13-15 points will face a five-year bar, and a driver with 16 or more points will face a six-year bar. A driver also may be considered a habitual offender if they have six or more convictions for certain moving violations in a two-year period, which may result in a one-year bar.

Outside the points system and the habitual offender context, an Iowa driver may have their license suspended if they are habitually reckless or negligent. This means that they have a combination of three or more contributive accidents and moving violations (or three or more contributive accidents) in a 12-month period. A license also may be suspended if a driver is a habitual violator. This means that they have three or more moving violations in a 12-month period. The minimum suspension for habitual recklessness or negligence is 60 days, while the minimum suspension for a habitual violator is generally 90 days.

Kansas

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Kansas does not have a points system for traffic violations. However, Kansas law authorizes the Division of Motor Vehicles to suspend a driver’s license if they have been convicted of three or more moving violations in a 12-month period, among other grounds.

Kentucky

Least serious violations: 3 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 2 years for drivers 18 or older; 7 points in 2 years for drivers under 18

A Kentucky driver has an opportunity to meet with a hearing officer before their license is suspended. Failing to appear for the hearing will result in a license suspension. After the hearing, the driver may be placed on probation in lieu of suspension and may be required to attend a driver improvement clinic. Once a driver has received probation, they will not be considered for probation again until two years have passed after the end of any previously granted probation period. A conviction stays on a driver’s record for five years, although points expire after two years.

Louisiana

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Louisiana does not have a points system for traffic violations. A driver may have their license suspended based on committing certain offenses, such as DUI, vehicular homicide, or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle.

Maine

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 8 points (operating after suspension only; otherwise 6 points)
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 1 year

When a Maine driver accumulates 50 percent of the points needed to authorize a suspension, they will receive a notice of assessment of demerit points. An ordinary suspension lasts for up to 15 days. When a driver’s license has been suspended three times in a three-year period, the driver may be subject to a 120-day suspension if they are convicted or adjudicated of an offense committed after the third suspension in the three-year period.

A person who successfully completes a driver improvement course may receive a three-point credit once in a 12-month period. A person whose driving record does not contain any convictions, adjudications, suspensions, or revocations during a calendar year will receive one violation free credit at the end of the calendar year, up to four violation free credits.

Maryland

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 12 points
Suspension trigger: 8 points in 2 years

If a driver accumulates 3-4 points in two years, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will send them a warning letter. If a driver accumulates 5-7 points in two years, they will be required to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program. A driver will receive a notice of point suspension if they accumulate 8-11 points in two years, and they will receive a notice of revocation if they accumulate 12 or more points in two years. For some offenses, the points are greater if the offense contributed to an accident. A driver may request a hearing to show cause why a suspension should not be imposed.

Massachusetts

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 5 points
Suspension trigger: Not specifically points-based; see below for various triggers

In Massachusetts, points attached to traffic violations are tied to the Safe Driver Insurance Plan. If an insurance company decides to use the SDIP, it determines the credits and surcharges that the insurance company may apply to premiums. (Insurance companies are not required to use the SDIP.) The value of surcharge points for each surchargeable incident is reduced by one point if a driver has three or fewer surchargeable incidents on their driving record in the five years before their policy’s effective date, the most recent surcharge date is at least three years before their policy’s effective date, and the driver has at least three years of driving experience. No surcharge points are assigned for incidents in the sixth (oldest) year of a driver’s policy experience period.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will issue a suspension notice if a driver accumulates three surchargeable events in a two-year period. A driver will have 90 days from the issue of this notice to complete a mandatory National Safety Council Course or Massachusetts Driver Retraining Program before the suspension becomes active. If a driver does not complete the course before the date on the notice, their license will be suspended until they complete the course.

If a driver accumulates seven surchargeable events or moving violations in a three-year period, their license will be suspended for 60 days. Three speeding tickets in a 12-month period will lead to a 30-day suspension. Three convictions for not having transparent windows on a vehicle will lead to a 90-day suspension. Three major moving violations in a five-year period, or any combination of 12 major or minor moving violations in five years, will lead to a four-year suspension. A driver in this situation may be able to apply for a hardship license.

Michigan

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 2 years

Michigan law allows for a driver reexamination when a driver accumulates 12 points in a two-year period, among other situations. A driver assessment analyst will review their record and discuss their driving behavior. A driver may be required to pass vision and knowledge tests and an on-road performance test, as well as providing a medical or vision statement. After a driver reexamination, a license may be unaffected or may be restricted, suspended, or revoked. Factors in deciding the outcome include the type of violation, the driver record, and the driver’s willingness to comply with assessment recommendations and requirements.

Minnesota

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Minnesota does not have a points system for traffic violations. However, it has a habitual violator law that provides that a person who is convicted of four traffic violations in one year, or five violations in two years, will have their license suspended for 30 days. Their license will be suspended for 90 days if they receive an additional traffic ticket in those time periods. Some driving violations, such as DUI, carry a mandatory license suspension. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety also can suspend a license if a driver is convicted of a traffic violation that contributed to an accident that caused injuries or property damage.

Mississippi

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Mississippi does not have a points system for traffic violations. However, the Mississippi Commissioner of Public Safety is authorized to suspend the license of a driver who is a habitually reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle, or who has been convicted with such frequency of serious offenses against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws and a disregard for the safety of other persons on the highways.

Missouri

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 12 points
Suspension trigger: 8 points in 18 months

A Missouri driver who accumulates four points in 12 months will receive a point accumulation advisory letter from the Missouri Department of Revenue. A first license suspension based on accumulating eight points in 18 months will last for 30 days, while a second suspension will last for 60 days and any subsequent suspension for 90 days. If a driver accumulates 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months, their driving privilege will be revoked for one year. When a driving privilege is reinstated after a suspension or revocation, the total points are reduced to four.

For each year in which a driver does not get new points on their record, their points are reduced. After one year, their total remaining points are reduced by one-third. After two years, the remaining points are reduced by one-half. After three years, their points are reduced to zero.

Montana

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 12 points
Suspension trigger: 15 points in 36 months

If a Montana driver accumulates six points in 18 months, they may be required to attend a counseling session or retake the driving examination, or both. If they fail to comply with these requirements, they will face a three-month suspension. In contrast, a license suspension based on 15 points in 36 months will last for six months.

Nebraska

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 12 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 2 years

Convictions of traffic violations in Nebraska remain on a driving record for five years. A driver who has had fewer than 12 points assessed against their driving record can enroll in a Driver Improvement Course. If they complete this course, the points assessed against the driver within the previous two years will be reduced by two. (If the driver has only one point assessed in the previous two years, their points will be set to zero.) This program can be used once every five years, and a driver must complete the course before the date of a violation that would assess the 12th point on their driving record.

Nevada

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 8 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 12 months

When a Nevada driver accumulates three points, they will receive a notification from the Driver License Review Section of the DMV. If they have accumulated between three and 11 points, they can get three points removed by completing a DMV-approved traffic safety course. A suspension based on 12 points in 12 months will last for six months. Points based on a violation are removed 12 months after the date of conviction, but the conviction remains part of the permanent driving record. Major traffic offenses fall outside the points system and result in automatic revocation or suspension.

New Hampshire

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 1 calendar year (or 18 points in 2 calendar years, or 24 points in 3 calendar years) for drivers 21 or older; see below for younger drivers

A New Hampshire driver who is 21 or older will have their license suspended for up to three months if they accumulate 12 points in one calendar year, for up to six months if they accumulate 18 points in two calendar years, and for up to one year if they accumulate 24 points in three calendar years. A driver between the ages of 18 and 21 will have their license suspended for up to three months if they accumulate nine points in one calendar year, for up to six months if they accumulate 15 points in two calendar years, and for up to one year if they accumulate 21 points in three calendar years. A driver under the age of 18 will have their license suspended for up to three months if they accumulate six points in one calendar year, for up to six months if they accumulate 12 points in two calendar years, and for up to one year if they accumulate 18 points in three calendar years.

The number of points assessed for a motor vehicle conviction in New Hampshire will appear on a certified copy of a record for three years after the violation. For any person who has accumulated at least three points, successfully completing a driver improvement program will reduce three points from the most recent point assessment total for suspension purposes.

New Jersey

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 8 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points

A New Jersey driver will be assessed a surcharge if they get six or more points in three years on their current driving record. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission keeps a permanent record of points, but a driver may earn point deductions by completing one year without violations or suspensions, or by taking qualified driving courses. Completing one year with no violations or suspensions results in a reduction of three points. A defensive driving program may be used to subtract two points once every five years, while a driver improvement program may be used to subtract three points once every two years in response to an MVC proposed action. A probationary driver program may be used to subtract three points, but this program may only be completed one time when the driver is ordered to attend by the MVC.

New Mexico

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 8 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 12 months (7 points in 1 year with recommendation from judge)

When a New Mexico driver accumulates six points, they may get a warning about the possibility of a license suspension. A driver may be subject to a suspension for up to three months if they have been assessed 7-10 points for violations occurring within one year, and a municipal or magistrate judge recommends that their license be suspended. A suspension based on accumulating 12 points in 12 months will last for 12 months. The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division may grant a limited driver’s license so that a person whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked may obtain or continue to hold employment or attend school.

New York

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 11 points
Suspension trigger: 11 points in 18 months

A driver who accumulates six points in 18 months on their New York State driving record must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee. Taking a Point and Insurance Reduction Program course may help prevent a driver from losing their license if they have accumulated 11 or more points on their record. This course results in subtracting four points for the purpose of calculating a suspension, although the points and related tickets remain on the record. A driver can request a hearing to claim that someone else committed a violation on their record, but they cannot request a DMV hearing to prove that they were not guilty of the violations.

North Carolina

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 5 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 3 years

A first license suspension in North Carolina lasts for 60 days, a second suspension for six months, and a third or subsequent suspension for one year. When a driving privilege is reinstated, all previous points on a driver’s record are canceled. However, they may face an additional license suspension if they accumulate eight points within three years after license reinstatement. A driver may ask to attend a driver improvement clinic if they accumulate seven points on the 12-point scale, or four points on the eight-point scale. A driver may attend a driving improvement clinic once every five years. When they complete the clinic, three points will be deducted from their driving record.

North Dakota

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 24 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points for drivers 18 and older; see below for younger drivers

A North Dakota license suspension lasts for seven days for each point over 11 points. Once the points are reduced to 11, one point will be removed for every three-month period during which no points are recorded against the driver’s record. Also, a driver may attend a defensive driving course to remove three points from their record. This reduction may be used once every 12 months. If a driver receives a citation with a penalty of five or fewer points, they may attend a defensive driving course instead of having points entered on their record.

The driving license or privileges of a driver under 18 will be canceled if they accumulate six points.

Ohio

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 2 years

When an Ohio driver accumulates six points on their record in two years, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will send a warning letter to the driver. The letter will list the violations, with the number of points for each violation, and will provide the reinstatement requirements for a 12-point suspension. These include serving a six-month suspension and completing a remedial driving course. To get reinstatement, a driver also must file a certificate of insurance, pay a reinstatement fee, and retake a complete driver license exam.

Oklahoma

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 4 points
Suspension trigger: 10 points in 5 years

An initial point suspension in Oklahoma will last for one month, a second point suspension for three months, a third point suspension for six months, and a fourth or subsequent point suspension for 12 months. A driver who goes 12 months without being convicted of a pointable violation will have two points removed from the points on their record. If a driver goes three years without being convicted of a pointable violation, their points are reduced to zero. In addition, two points are credited to a driver’s record if they complete a driver improvement or defensive driving course. This two-point credit will be given only once in 24 months.

Oregon

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Oregon does not have a points system for traffic violations. A driver who is 18 or older will have their license suspended for 30 days if they have four convictions, four accidents, or a combination that totals four in a 24-month period. For each violation or preventable accident after four within two years, their license or right to apply for a license will be suspended for 30 days. A driver under 18 will have their license suspended for six months if they have three convictions, three accidents, or a combination that totals three, even if they turn 18 during the suspension period. For each violation or preventable accident after three, their license or right to apply for a license will be suspended for six months.

Pennsylvania

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 5 points
Suspension trigger: 11 points, or second or subsequent accumulation of 6 points; see details below

A Pennsylvania license suspension based on accumulating 11 points will last five days per point for the first suspension, 10 days per point for the second suspension, 15 days per point for the third suspension, and one year for any subsequent suspension. Three points are removed from a driving record for every 12 months that a person drives without a violation that results in points or license suspension or revocation. Once a driving record has been reduced to zero points and remains at zero points for 12 months, any further accumulation of points is treated as the first accumulation of points.

When a driver accumulates six points for the first time, they will receive a notice to take a written point examination, which covers knowledge of safe driving practices, departmental sanctions, and related safety issues. If they pass the exam within 30 days, two points will be removed from their driving record. If the driver does not pass the exam within 30 days, their license will be suspended until they pass the exam.

When a driver accumulates six points for the second time, they must attend a departmental hearing. This may result in a 15-day license suspension or an order to take an on-road driver’s examination. Failing to attend the hearing results in a 60-day license suspension. If the driver passes the on-road examination within 30 days, or if they serve a 15-day suspension, two points will be removed from their record.

When a driver accumulates six points for the third time, they again must attend a departmental hearing. They may face a 30-day license suspension after the hearing. Failing to attend the hearing results in a license suspension until the driver attends the hearing.

Special rules apply to drivers under 18 and to cases involving extreme speeding (31 mph or more over the limit for adults, or 26 mph or more over the limit for minors).

Rhode Island

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Rhode Island does not have a points system for traffic violations. However, the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles is authorized to suspend the license of a driver who has been adjudicated by a court to have committed with such frequency of offenses against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws and a disregard for the safety of other persons on the highways, among other grounds.

South Carolina

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 12 calculated points (see formula below)

A South Carolina driver may face a three-month license suspension if they accumulate 12-15 points, a four-month suspension if they accumulate 16-17 points, a five-month suspension if they accumulate 18-19 points, and a six-month suspension if they accumulate 20 or more points. In computing the total points charged to a driver after a violation, points accrued as a result of violations that have occurred during the 12 months including and immediately preceding the last violation are counted at full value, points accrued from 12-24 months before the last violation are counted at half their established value, and points resulting from violations that occurred more than 24 months before the last violation are not counted.

South Dakota

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 10 points (8 points except for DUI, which requires license revocation)
Suspension trigger: 15 points in 12 months (or 22 points in 24 months)

A South Dakota driver may request a hearing before their license is suspended. When multiple offenses arise out of a single incident, points are assessed on the offense that carries the highest point value. Out-of-state convictions result in the same point assessments as if the violations were committed in South Dakota.

Tennessee

Least serious violations: 1 point
Most serious violations: 8 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 12 months

A Tennessee driver who reaches the suspension trigger above will receive a notice of proposed suspension and have an opportunity to attend an administrative hearing. If they do not request a hearing, their license will be suspended for 6-12 months. A driver may complete a defensive driving course once every five years. A restricted license may be available during a suspension.

Texas

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Texas no longer has a traffic ticket points program. However, a Texas driver license may be suspended when a driver is convicted of four or more moving violations in 12 months, or seven or more moving violations in 24 months. (A suspension also may be imposed when a driver is convicted of at least two offenses for a violation that conflicts with a restriction or endorsement printed on their license.) A driver may request a hearing up to 20 days after the date of the notice of suspension.

Utah

Least serious violations: 35 points
Most serious violations: 80 points
Suspension trigger: 200 points in three years for drivers 21 and older; 70 points in three years for drivers under 21

A Utah driver will receive a warning letter if they accumulate 150-199 points on their license in three years. At 200-299 points, the driver may be placed on probation or suspended for three months. At 300-399 points, the driver will be suspended for three months. At 400-599 points, the driver will be suspended for six months. At 600 or more points, the driver will be suspended for one year. A separate set of point system thresholds applies to drivers under 21.

Except for speeding violations, points may vary up or down by 10 percent, depending on the recommendation of the court. If a driver completes one year without being convicted of a moving violation, half of the total points on their record will be removed. If they drive for two successive years without a conviction, all of their points will be removed. Points for an individual conviction are automatically removed three years after the violation. If a driver completes a defensive driving course, 50 points may be removed from their record, but this reduction is permitted only once every three years.

Vermont

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 10 points
Suspension trigger: 10 points in 2 years

When a Vermont driver has accumulated 10 points in two years, their license will be suspended for 10 days. An accumulation of 15 points results in a 30-day suspension, and an accumulation of 20 points results in a 90-day suspension. Each additional five points beyond 20 points will increase the period of the suspension by 30 days. However, the suspension for a 10-point violation is 30 days for a first conviction, 90 days for a second conviction, and six months for a third or subsequent conviction, or the suspension period under the point values, whichever is greater. If a fatality occurs, the suspension will last for one year in addition to the suspension under the point values.

The Vermont points schedule also provides that two additional points are assessed for a violation that has resulted in a crash that was the fault of the violator if a determination on fault has been made.

Virginia

Least serious violations: 3 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 18 points in 12 months (or 24 points in 24 months)

Points remain on the record of a Virginia driver for two years after they committed the offense. The dates that demerit points are removed from a driving record are not related to the dates that convictions are removed from a driving record. If a driver accumulates 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months, the Virginia DMV will require them to complete a driver improvement clinic. Their driving privilege will be suspended if they do not complete the clinic within 90 days. If a driver accumulates 18 points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months, the DMV will suspend their driving privilege for 90 days and require them to complete a driver improvement clinic.

A driver who is convicted of a demerit point violation committed while they were 18 or 19 will be required to complete a driver improvement clinic. Separate rules apply to drivers under 18.

Washington

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Washington does not have a points system for traffic violations. However, a driver’s license will be suspended for 60 days if they have six moving violations in 12 months, or seven moving violations in 24 months. A one-year probation period follows the suspension. If a driver is ticketed for another moving violation during probation, their license will be suspended for 30 days for each offense, and the one-year probation period will start over.

Washington, D.C.

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 12 points
Suspension trigger: 10 points in 2 years

If a Washington, D.C. driver accumulates 10-11 points in two years, they will lose their driving privileges for 90 days. If they accumulate 12 or more points in two years, they will lose their driving privileges until the DMV reinstates their license, which will occur at least six months after revocation. Points are assessed if a driver is found liable for a moving violation at a hearing, fails to pay a ticket within the required 60-day time period, or pays a ticket.

A driver who receives a moving violation may be eligible to attend an online defensive driving course to have the points removed from their driving record. Prior approval from a DMV Hearing Examiner is required before taking the course to have points removed.

West Virginia

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 8 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 2 years

If a West Virginia driver accumulates six points, they will receive a warning letter. If they accumulate 12-13 points, their license will be suspended for 30 days. If they accumulate 14-15 points, their license will be suspended for 45 days. If they accumulate 16-17 points, their license will be suspended for 60 days. If they accumulate 18-19 points, their license will be suspended for 90 days. If they accumulate 20 or more points, their license will be suspended until the accumulated points are reduced to 11 points or fewer. Any driver who completes the approved defensive driving course will have three points removed from their total, regardless of the amount of points currently on their record. This course may be taken once every 12 months.

While points from an infraction remain on a driver’s record for two years, the infraction remains on the driver’s record for five years. When a driver is convicted of multiple offenses arising from the same incident, they will be assessed the points for the most serious offense.

Wisconsin

Least serious violations: 2 points
Most serious violations: 6 points
Suspension trigger: 12 points in 12 months

A Wisconsin driver will face a two-month license suspension if they accumulate 12-16 points in 12 months. A driver with 17-22 points will face a four-month suspension, a driver with 23-30 points will face a six-month suspension, and a driver with more than 30 points will face a one-year suspension. (Separate rules apply to a driver who has a probationary driver license or an instruction permit, or who has never been issued a license.)

A driver may reduce their point total by three points for attending a traffic safety course. Only one reduction is allowed in a three-year period. If a driver is already suspended for point accumulation, and their point total is 12-14 points, their suspension may be released after taking the course.

Wyoming

Least serious violations: N/A
Most serious violations: N/A
Suspension trigger: Not points-based

Wyoming does not have a points system for traffic violations. However, a driver who has been convicted of three moving violations in a one-year period will be considered a repeated violator. They will be notified that they have been convicted of three moving violations in one year and informed about the possible consequences of receiving additional convictions. Their license will be suspended for 90 days upon receiving evidence of a conviction for a fourth moving violation in a one-year period.

Last reviewed August 2022

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