Points On Your Driver’s License And Suspensions (2025)

How Are Driver’s License Points Assigned?

Many state agencies responsible for administering point systems publish charts showing the points assigned to various violations. For example, New York has a detailed schedule of points published online.

This schedule has higher point values for dangerous activities the state wants to discourage. For example, speeding at least 40 miles per hour over the posted limit has the highest value at 11 points. Dangerous acts like reckless driving and cell phone use while driving are worth five points. Points are not assessed for parking violations, jaywalking, and equipment violations, like illegal tint.

Notably, the points chart does not include the most severe violations, such as DUI and hit and run. A DUI conviction typically carries a mandatory license suspension in New York.

Similarly, leaving the scene of a property damage-only accident can result in three points, while a hit and run that causes injuries or fatalities carries a mandatory suspension. Thus, a driver who unknowingly hit a parked car will likely only get points on their record. However, a driver who fled the scene of a pedestrian crash may have their license suspended unless their hit and run lawyer secures an acquittal.

On the other hand, California issues points for traffic violations but goes a step further. The state also imposes points for collisions where the driver was found negligent. Specifically, in California, the state can assess points in three situations:

• You are convicted of a traffic violation, resulting in zero to three points
• You are convicted of a major violation, automatically resulting in three points
• You are found responsible for a collision, resulting in one point

Importantly, California includes both in-state and out-of-state collisions. However, it generally does not assess points for out-of-state collisions if the crash report does not contain enough information for the state to determine fault.

Suspensions for Points on License Records

The number of points that trigger a license suspension varies by state. New York, for example, uses a rolling 18-month window. It charges drivers a fee at six points and can suspend their licenses at 11 points during that period.

California, by contrast, uses multiple windows for calculating suspensions. This means the state can suspend your license for reaching any of the following point levels:

• Six points over 12 months
• Eight points over 24 months
• Ten points over 36 months

With this system, you must maintain a safe operating record in individual years and over time. One year with five speeding tickets might not result in a suspension, but two consecutive years with five speeding tickets could trigger one.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in California? The state will typically keep the ticket on your record for three years.

Point Reduction

Many states have online portals to answer questions like, “How many points do you have on your license?” These portals also typically provide a list of your violations and the number of points assessed for each. In Wisconsin, for example, you can check your points by using the driver record portal to purchase a copy of your official driving record.

Some states allow you to reduce the points on your driving record by taking a course. This course gives you the option to avoid a suspension if you are approaching the state’s point limit.

In certain states, you may only be able to take the course once during their rolling window. This is because the state does not want drivers to cycle through violations and reductions without experiencing the consequences of risky driving.

If you exceed the state’s threshold for a suspension, the state may note in its computer system that your license has been suspended. Most states allow you to petition for a hearing to challenge the suspension.

If the state correctly calculated your points, a hearing might not be worthwhile. However, you might have grounds for challenging a suspension if the state assessed an incorrect number of points or put someone else’s violation on your record.

Reinstatement

At the end of your suspension, the state might automatically reinstate your license. Many states do impose reinstatement requirements, though, such as paying a reinstatement fee and obtaining an SR-22 proof of insurance.

For example, Ohio sets several requirements for reinstatement, including the following:

• Serve the full six-month suspension
• Pass a remedial driving class
• Pass the driver’s license test
• File an SR-22
• Pay the reinstatement fee

If you fail to complete these steps, your license can remain suspended even after the time expires. Additionally, if you get stopped without reinstating your license, you may face criminal charges for driving on a suspended license.

Contact ConsumerShield to Learn More About Points on License Records

A driver’s license suspension can cause serious hardships, interfering with your ability to go about your daily life or earn a living. ConsumerShield helps people facing license suspensions to understand their risks and find a trusted local lawyer to represent them. Contact us for a free case review and an attorney referral today.