How Long Do Points Stay on Your Record in Michigan?

Michigan points follow a two year clock, but the ticket itself can outlast them, and the state has a narrow window for keeping points off entirely. Understanding both is how you protect your record and your insurance rate.

How Long Points Stay on a Michigan Record

Two Years From Conviction

Points remain on your Michigan driving record for two years from the date you are convicted or found responsible for the violation. Note the starting line: it is the conviction date, not the date of the traffic stop, so a ticket that takes months to resolve in court starts its clock later.

The Conviction Outlasts the Points

When the points drop off, the conviction itself does not disappear with them. It remains part of your driving history and can still surface in insurance reviews and court proceedings. Points measure your current risk to the state; the record tells the longer story.

How Many Points Lead to a Suspension

The Warning Stages

The Secretary of State watches your two year total and responds in steps. At 4 points you receive a letter noting a higher than normal point count. At 8 points a second letter warns that further points could lead to action against your license.

Twelve Points Means Reexamination

There is no automatic suspension at a set number in Michigan. Instead, 12 or more points within two years triggers a driver reexamination, and based on that review the state can restrict, suspend, or revoke your license. Drivers who want to stay well clear of that meeting should treat the 8 point letter as the real deadline.

Probationary Drivers

Drivers on a probationary license face closer scrutiny and can be called for a driver assessment even with fewer points, including after completing the Basic Driver Improvement Course.

Points by Violation in Michigan

The Higher Point Violations

• Reckless driving: 6 points
• Operating while intoxicated: 6 points
• Speeding 16 mph or more over the limit: 4 points
• Drag racing: 4 points

The Common Violations

• Speeding 11 to 15 mph over the limit: 3 points
• Careless driving: 3 points
• Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign: 3 points
• Speeding 10 mph or less over the limit: 2 points
• Most other moving violations: 2 points

How BDIC Keeps Points Off Your Record

The Mechanism

The Basic Driver Improvement Course works before points post, not after. If you are eligible, the Secretary of State mails you a notice, and completing an approved course within 60 days of that notice keeps the points from that ticket off your record. The ticket information itself is still recorded, but no points are added.

Once in a Lifetime

Michigan lets each driver avoid points through BDIC only once. That makes the decision strategic: using it on a two point ticket today means it is not available for a three point ticket later.

The 60 Day Deadline Is Firm

Miss the 60 day window and the points post. If you later receive another eligible ticket and a new notice, you can use BDIC for that one instead. Our guide on taking BDIC covers the enrollment steps.

Who Is Eligible for BDIC

The Eligibility Checklist

According to the Secretary of State, you may be eligible if all of the following apply:

• You hold a valid, non-commercial Michigan license with two or fewer points on your record
• The ticket carries three or fewer points and is on the list of eligible violations
• The violation was not a criminal offense and did not happen in a commercial vehicle
• You have not already avoided points through the program
• You are not in a 60 day eligibility window for a previous ticket

What Rules You Out

Out-of-state tickets are not eligible, and neither are violations like careless or negligent driving that fall outside the approved list. A restricted, suspended, or revoked license also disqualifies you. The eligibility notice itself is the confirmation, so wait for it before enrolling.

Taking BDIC Online

Approved and Self-Paced

The Michigan BDIC course from I Drive Safely is approved by the Secretary of State and fully online, so you can finish inside the 60 day window on your own schedule.

Taking It Without a Notice

Drivers who are not eligible for point avoidance can still take the course voluntarily, and many insurers recognize it. Ask your carrier before enrolling. If you are still deciding how to handle the ticket itself, our overview of your ticket options and our guide on tickets and insurance cover the tradeoffs, and a voluntary defensive driving course is a simple way to keep the next ticket from happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a point stay on your license in Michigan?

Two years from the date of conviction. The conviction itself remains on your driving history after the points drop off.

How many points suspend a license in Michigan?

Michigan has no automatic suspension at a fixed number. Accumulating 12 or more points within two years triggers a Secretary of State reexamination, which can result in a restricted, suspended, or revoked license.

Can you take the Michigan BDIC more than once?

You can take the course again, but Michigan allows each driver to avoid points through the program only once. Repeat completions can still be useful for insurance purposes if your carrier recognizes them.