How to Reduce Points On Your License (by state)

Almost every state has a points system that assigns points against your driving record when you commit traffic violations, like speeding or running a stop sign. Points can range from four to 200, depending on the severity of the driving infraction. Once your points reach a certain threshold — 10 points within 12 months, for instance — your driver's license may be revoked. Until your driving privileges are restored, you will likely face higher insurance rates.

Read further for details regarding the points system, including common ways you accrue points, what happens if you get too many, and how points can be removed.

On This Page

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  How Do Points on Your Driver's License Work?

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  Does a Point on Your License Affect Your Insurance?

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  How To Reduce Points on Your License per State

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  How Do I Check How Many Points Are on My License?

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  Tips To Reduce Points on Your License

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  FAQs

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  Protect Yourself

How Do Points on Your Driver's License Work?

All but nine states use a points system to track drivers, traffic violations, reckless driving and out-of-state moving violations. Under this system, drivers receive a demerit point that increases based on the severity of the offense. For instance, a speeding ticket violation has fewer points than a DUI. Once a driver has accrued enough points against their driving record, their license can be suspended or revoked.

Beyond getting your driver's license revoked, committing several traffic violations can result in the following consequences:

• Increased insurance premiums because auto insurers consider you a high-risk driver

• Vehicle impoundment/confiscation

• Auto insurance surcharge (an added fee to your premium for a traffic violation)

• Requirement to file Form SR-22

• Incarceration and victim restitution for severe moving violations

• Installation of ignition interlock device that measures breath alcohol concentration (for DUI violations)

This points system helps encourage safer driving to avoid a suspended license or higher insurance premiums.

Violation Points Can Add Up

Moving violations can rack up points on your record. Common traffic violations that result in points include:

• Running a red light or a stop sign

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Speeding

• Fleeing the scene of an accident

• Reckless or careless driving

• Not following the right of way

• Causing property damage or injury

• Improperly passing someone

• Illegal turns

• At-fault accident

While each state assesses points differently, generally, the more serious the moving violation, the more points you receive. Too many accidents and points on your record can result in losing your driving privileges. Many states allow for points to be removed if the driver maintains a clean driving record or takes driver's safety courses (more on this later).

Does a Point on Your License Affect Your Insurance?

Points on your license can affect your insurance by increasing your premiums and fees. Insurance companies typically classify repeat traffic offenders as high-risk drivers and generally cost more to insure. Therefore, drivers with several points on their record generally pay higher insurance rates than low-risk and safe drivers.

All but nine states use a points system to track drivers, traffic violations, reckless driving and out-of-state moving violations.

A speeding ticket, for example, may increase your auto insurance premiums by 20%, according to Mercury Insurance. More severe violations — like driving under the influence — can increase your premiums even higher.

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Source: SmartFinancial, Mercury Insurance

In many states, points can expire after a specific time (e.g., one to three years), but the violation may remain on your permanent driving record. It can still impact your insurance premiums during the length of your insurance carrier's lookback period, which is generally up to five years.

How To Reduce Points on Your License per State

In most states, points fall off your driving record after enough time has elapsed — typically one to five years. More severe violations, like driving under the influence, can remain on your permanent driving record.

This points system helps encourage safer driving to avoid a suspended license or higher insurance premiums.

Below is a list of each state with points for minor and major violations, how many points are needed for a driver's license suspension, if the state has a point reduction program and if they automatically reduce points.

How Do I Check How Many Points Are on My License?

You can check how many points are on your license by going to your state's DMV and purchasing a copy of your driving record online, by phone or in person. In some states, you may need to request this in writing formally. Typically, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth and license number to request this report.

Moving violations can rack up points on your record.

If you've recently received one or multiple moving violations, it's good to look at your driving record to know how many points you have on your license. Since some states will suspend your license after accumulating a set number of points, you can avoid severe repercussions by checking.

Tips To Reduce Points on Your License

Clearing your driving record of points is always a good idea, as excessive points can contribute to higher car insurance premiums. Below are some tips for reducing points on your license:

1. Sign up for a defensive driving class: Completing a program that teaches safe driving behaviors can remove at least one point from your record.

2. Maintain a clean driving record: If you continue driving without accruing additional points, your driving record will clean itself up with enough patience.

3. Fight the ticket: Successfully contesting a ticket will prevent the violation (and subsequent points) from being entered on your driving record.

4. Get the ticket deferred: In some states, you may get certain driving infractions, like a speeding ticket, deferred to a later date. If you drive without any violations up to the deferral date, the ticket will be dismissed with no points assigned against your record.

Protect Yourself

Points on your license can be costly, but they won't count against you forever. The exact timeframe and regulations will vary depending on your state. Whether or not you have points on your license, you should always shop around to see if you can save on your insurance premiums. Just enter your zip code below and fill out a quick questionnaire so SmartFinancial can send you free quotes in your area to help save you money.