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points stay on license michigan drivers hold for exactly two years, measured from the date of conviction or the date you are found responsible for a civil infraction. That two-year clock matters more than most people realize. It controls whether the Secretary of State calls you in for a driver assessment. It also shapes what your insurance company sees at renewal.
Many drivers assume the points stay on license michigan issues forever, or that they drop off when the fine is paid. Neither is true. The points expire on their own schedule, while the conviction itself sticks around much longer. Understanding the difference helps you decide whether to fight a ticket, take a course, or simply pay it.
How Long Points Stay on License Michigan Records — The Two-Year Rule
Michigan assigns points under MCL 257.320a. Each moving violation carries a set value, from 1 point up to 6 points. The Michigan Secretary of State posts those points to your master driving record after the court reports the conviction. From that conviction date, the points stay on license michigan records for 24 months. After that, they no longer count toward your running total.
However, the ticket does not vanish. The conviction remains on your Michigan driving record for at least seven years. Some serious offenses stay 10 years, and alcohol-related convictions such as OWI remain for life. So while points stay on license michigan totals for two years, the underlying violation is still visible to insurers, employers, and courts long after.
There is no way to “work off” points in Michigan. For example, Michigan does not offer a general point-reduction class like Florida or New York. In most cases, you simply wait out the two years.
Michigan Point Values and the 12-Point Threshold
Speeding points in Michigan scale with how fast you were going. Typically, a few miles per hour over costs you very little. Bigger numbers cost much more.
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1–5 mph over the limit | 1 |
| Speeding 6–10 mph over the limit | 2 |
| Speeding 11–15 mph over the limit | 3 |
| Speeding more than 15 mph over the limit | 4 |
| Careless driving | 3 |
| Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign | 2 |
| Impaired driving (OWVI) | 4 |
| Reckless driving | 6 |
| Operating while intoxicated (OWI) | 6 |
| Fleeing or eluding police | 6 |
The magic number is 12. If you reach 12 or more points in a two-year window, the Secretary of State refers you for a driver assessment reexamination. Because points stay on license michigan records for two years, older tickets keep counting until that anniversary passes. A reexamination can end in a restricted license, a suspension, or a revocation.
You can also be flagged sooner. As a result of Michigan’s assessment rules, 6 points from speeding violations alone, or three at-fault crashes in two years, can trigger a review. Some reexaminations are done on paper. Others require you to appear, take a written test, a vision test, or even a road test.
What to Do After a Michigan Speeding Ticket
Act before the points stay on license michigan records at all. Points are only posted after a conviction. That means the window to protect your record is between the ticket and the court date.
First, check whether you qualify for the Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC). Michigan mails an eligibility notice to qualifying drivers. Typically you must have 2 or fewer points already, a valid non-commercial license, and a ticket worth 3 points or less. The violation cannot be criminal, and it cannot have happened in a commercial vehicle. You must finish the four-hour course within 60 days of the notice. Pass it, and the ticket appears on your record but the points do not — and it is not reported to your insurer. However, you may use BDIC only once in your lifetime.
Second, consider contesting the ticket or negotiating. Many Michigan district courts will reduce a speeding charge to a lesser offense, such as impeding traffic, which carries fewer points. For example, dropping a 4-point ticket to a 2-point violation cuts your exposure in half. Third, order your driving record from any Secretary of State office or through the online portal. It shows every posted point and every conviction date, so you know exactly when the points stay on license michigan totals will expire.
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One piece of good news: Michigan repealed its Driver Responsibility Fees in October 2018. Drivers no longer owe annual surcharges of $100 to $2,000 for accumulated points or certain convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a fee to remove points early in Michigan?
No. There is no buyout, and no traffic school erases posted points after the fact. In most cases, points stay on license michigan records for the full two years and then drop off automatically.
Do points transfer if I move to another state?
Michigan reports convictions to other states through the Driver License Compact. Your new state applies its own point values to the offense. However, Michigan’s own point total stops mattering once you surrender the Michigan license.
How long will my insurance rate go up?
Insurers usually look back three to five years, not two. So even after points stay on license michigan totals expire, the conviction can still affect your premium. Shopping for new quotes after year three often helps.
Check Your Ticket Impact
Find out exactly what your speeding ticket will cost you — including the hidden insurance increase most drivers miss. Use our free tools to get the full picture.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified traffic law and speeding ticket information:
- NHTSA (Speed Data): nhtsa.gov
- NCSL (State Traffic Laws): ncsl.org
- AAA Foundation: aaafoundation.org
- IIHS (Insurance Data): iihs.org
- State DMV Websites: Check your state DMV for official point values and fine schedules
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
Related Guides
- Speeding Ticket Costs by State
- Driving Points by State
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- Speeding Ticket Cost Calculator
- Insurance Impact Estimator
Disclaimer. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Fine amounts, point values, and traffic laws vary by jurisdiction and may change without notice. The creators assume no liability for accuracy or completeness. Always verify with your local court, DMV, or a qualified traffic attorney for advice specific to your situation.