Driver Point Systems by State (2026)
How each state's driver point system works and how many points lead to a suspension.
| State | Point system |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes. Alabama assigns points for traffic convictions, including convictions from other states. Points counted within a 2-year period lead to suspension: 12–14 points, 60 days; 15–17 points, 90 days; 18–20 points, 120 days; 21–23 points, 180 days; 24 or more points, 365 days. A driver can request an administrative hearing; a request made within 10 days of the notice defers the suspension until the hearing, and the result can be appealed to circuit court within 30 days. Ala. Admin. Code r. 760-X-1-.07; Code of Ala. § 32-5A-195 |
| Alaska | Yes. Convictions (or bail forfeitures) for moving violations in Alaska or any other state are assigned 2 to 10 points. Accumulating 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months requires the DMV to suspend or revoke the driving privilege, regardless of hardship. Drivers get a warning letter at the halfway mark. Provisional license holders with 6 or more points in 12 months or 9 or more in 24 months must complete a driver improvement course. AS 28.15.221–28.15.261; Alaska DMV Points page |
| Arizona | Yes. MVD assigns points for moving-violation convictions or judgments. 8–12 points within 12 months: an order to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS), or a three-month suspension if the driver attended TSS within the last 24 months. 13–17 points within 12 months: three-month suspension with no TSS option. 18–23 points within 12 months: six-month suspension. 24 or more points within the past 36 months: one-year suspension. Failing to complete TSS ordered for points leads to a suspension. For violations on or after Jan. 1, 2023 that come from the same event, MVD assesses only the highest point value. Ariz. Admin. Code R17-4-404; A.R.S. §§ 28-3306, 28-1526; ADOT MVD and Courts Training Manual 2026/2027 |
| Arkansas | Yes. Moving violations carry 3 to 8 points (a DWI conviction carries 14). Points count within a 36-month period. At 10–13 points a warning letter is sent. At 14 or more points a hearing is automatically scheduled; a hearing officer may impose probation or suspension, and a driver who skips the hearing is suspended automatically. Maximum suspensions: up to 3 months for 14–17 points, up to 6 months for 18–23 points, and up to 1 year for 24 or more points. 27 CAR §§ 30-113, 30-117; DFA Driver Improvements page |
| California | Yes, through the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS). Most traffic convictions involving safe driving count 1 point, and serious ones (such as DUI, reckless driving and hit-and-run) count 2; a responsible collision counts 1 point. A Class C driver is presumed a negligent operator at 4 or more points in 12 months, 6 or more in 24 months, or 8 or more in 36 months. NOTS actions run from a warning letter, to a notice of intent to suspend, to an order of one-year probation that includes a six-month suspension. Points from out-of-state convictions count too. Commercial (Class A/B) drivers have higher thresholds in some cases. Cal. Veh. Code §§ 12810, 12810.5; DMV Driver Negligence and Negligent Operator Actions pages |
| Colorado | Yes. Points are assessed for traffic convictions. Drivers 21 and older face suspension at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months. Drivers 18 to 20 face suspension at 9 points in 12 months, 12 points in 24 months, or 14 points after turning 18. Drivers under 18 have lower limits. A driver who shows the points were all earned while driving for work may have higher limits (16 points in one year, 24 in two years or 28 in four years). C.R.S. § 42-2-127; Colorado DMV Reinstatement FAQs |
| Connecticut | Yes. Points are assessed for convictions of listed moving violations (1 to 5 points). A warning letter is sent at 6 points. When a conviction raises the total above 10 points, the license is suspended for 30 days; a hearing can be requested but is limited to identity and whether more than 10 points accrued within 24 months. If the total again goes above 10 points within five years of that suspension, the license stays suspended until the total drops to 10 or below. Regs. Conn. State Agencies §§ 14-137a-5 to 14-137a-8 |
| Delaware | Yes, through the DMV's Driver Improvement Problem Driver Program (Policy Regulation 2208). Points are 'calculated' at full value for 12 months after the violation and half value for the next 12 months; actions are based on calculated points within 24 months. At 8 points the DMV sends an advisory letter. At 12 points the driver must complete a behavior modification/attitudinal-driving course within 90 days or face a 2-month suspension. Mandatory suspensions follow at 14 points (4 months), 16 (6 months), 18 (8 months), 20 (10 months) and 22 (12 months), and reinstatement requires the course and a reinstatement fee. Delaware DMV, Information Regarding Violations; DMV Policy Regulation 2208 |
| District of Columbia | Yes. Points are assessed for moving violations (not parking or photo-enforcement tickets) when a driver is found liable at a hearing, pays the ticket (payment is an admission of liability), or fails to pay within the required 60 days. Out-of-state moving violations are assessed using DC's point values. 10–11 points: license suspended for 90 days. 12 or more points: license revoked until the DMV reinstates it (at least 6 months after revocation). Some offenses, such as DUI, hit-and-run with injury and fleeing police, carry 12 points and automatic revocation. DC DMV Driver Point System Chart; DC DMV Driver Point System page |
| Florida | Yes. Points are assigned for moving-violation convictions, including out-of-state convictions. The department may suspend a license for up to 30 days at 12 points within 12 months, up to 3 months at 18 points within 18 months, and up to 1 year at 24 points within 36 months. Drivers reaching the 'danger zone' may receive a warning letter. Three points are deducted for a person suspended only once under the point system who has been reinstated and met all other requirements. Fla. Stat. § 322.27(3) |
| Georgia | Yes. DDS describes its point system as ranging from 2 to 6 points per conviction (a first hands-free phone violation is 1 point). A driver with 15 points in a 24-month period will have the license suspended. Points are also assessed against Georgia residents for out-of-state violations that would carry points in Georgia. Drivers under 21 are suspended for any 4-point violation, and drivers under 18 for 4 or more points in 12 months. O.C.G.A. § 40-5-57; Georgia DDS Points and Points Reduction page; DDS Driver's Manual, Section 10 |
| Idaho | Yes. Moving-violation convictions from Idaho, other states and Canada are assigned 1 to 4 points. Suspensions: 12 or more points in any 12 months, 30 days; 18 or more in any 24 months, 90 days; 24 or more in any 36 months, 6 months (180 days). When several violations come from one stop, only the conviction with the most points counts. IDAPA 39.02.71; Idaho Code § 49-326; ITD Guide to Understanding Driver Records (April 2024) |
| Illinois | Yes. A driver convicted of three or more point-assigned traffic offenses committed within 12 months is reviewed for suspension or revocation, with the action set by the total points. With no prior suspension or revocation in seven years: 15–44 points, 2-month suspension; 45–74, 3 months; 75–89, 6 months; 90–99, 9 months; 100–109, 12 months; 110 or more, revocation. With one prior suspension or revocation in seven years the periods are longer (4, 6 or 12 months, or revocation at 110 or more). 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1040.30; 625 ILCS 5/6-206(a)(2) |
| Indiana | Yes. Indiana assigns 0 to 10 points for each moving-violation conviction based on its risk to traffic safety. The BMV may require drivers 21 and older with two or more traffic convictions in 12 months (and drivers under 21 with two or more convictions) to complete a BMV-approved Driver Safety Program within 90 days, or the license is suspended until it is completed. Indiana BMV Driver Record Points page; Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 5 |
| Iowa | Iowa does not use a point system for ordinary suspensions; it counts convictions. A driver convicted of three or more moving violations committed within 12 months (by offense date, including out-of-state violations) is a 'habitual violator.' Minimum suspensions: 3 convictions, 90 days; 4, 120 days; 5, 150 days; 6, 180 days; 7 or more, 1 year (a hearing officer may reduce them for mitigating circumstances). Eligible drivers may instead be enrolled in a driver improvement program followed by one year of probation. Separately, three or more serious convictions (such as OWI or driving while suspended) in six years can make a driver a 'habitual offender' barred for two to six years. Iowa Code § 321.210; Iowa Admin. Code r. 761—615.6; Iowa DOT, Habitual Violators & Serious Violation |
| Kansas | Kansas law does not set a point schedule in the statutes read; instead, the Division of Vehicles may restrict, suspend or revoke driving privileges when a driver has been convicted of three or more moving traffic violations committed on separate occasions within a 12-month period, or of serious offenses frequently enough to show disregard for traffic laws. K.S.A. 8-255(a) |
| Kentucky | Kentucky uses a point system. Drivers start with zero points. A driver age 18 or older who reaches 12 or more points within two years faces suspension or probation (a warning letter is sent at 6 points); for drivers under 18 the threshold is 7 points (warning letter at 4 points). Drivers are offered a hearing first. Suspension for a points accumulation is 90 days to 6 months the first time, 1 year the second time, and 2 years for later accumulations within two years; probation, if granted, lasts twice the suspension period. 601 KAR 13:025 |
| Maine | Maine uses a demerit point system. The Secretary of State issues a warning when points reach 6, and a driver whose total reaches 12 points or more has the license suspended. Under the Secretary of State's rules, 12 demerit points within a one-year period may lead to a suspension of up to 15 days. A driver may request a hearing, and the decision may be appealed to Superior Court. 29-A M.R.S. § 2458; Secretary of State rules 29-250 ch. 1; Maine Motorist Handbook |
| Maryland | Maryland uses a point system based on points accumulated within any two-year period: 3 points brings a warning letter; 5 points requires a Driver Improvement Program; 8 points brings a notice of suspension; and 12 points brings a notice of revocation. An initial points suspension is 2 to 30 days and a later one 15 to 90 days. A notice takes effect 10 days after it is sent unless a hearing is requested. Provisional license holders under 18 who reach 5 or more points in 12 months are suspended for 6 months (1 year for a later offense). Md. Code, Transp. § 16-404; MVA, Driver's License Points |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts tracks 'surchargeable incidents' (used for the Safe Driver Insurance Plan) rather than a classic DMV point system. When the Merit Rating Board notifies the Registrar that a driver has had 3 surchargeable incidents within the past 24 months, the driver must complete a driver education program; if proof of completion is not provided within 90 days of the notice, the license is suspended. Separately, a driver is an 'habitual traffic offender' with three or more major convictions (such as OUI, reckless driving, or driving after suspension) or twelve or more reportable suspendable offenses within five years, which brings a four-year revocation. M.G.L. c. 175, § 113B; M.G.L. c. 90, § 22F |
| Michigan | Michigan uses a point system set by the Michigan Vehicle Code. Points are posted only after a conviction for a moving violation. A driver with 12 or more points, or six or more one-point violations, within a two-year period must undergo a driver assessment reexamination, which can result in license restrictions, suspension or revocation. Probationary and Graduated Driver Licensing drivers may be called in after only one or two violations. This system is separate from insurance company points. Secretary of State, What Every Driver Must Know (Oct. 2025), ch. 2; MCL 257.320a |
| Minnesota | Minnesota's official driver materials do not describe a point system. Instead, DVS can suspend a license for repeated violations; DPS lists 'habitual violations' (four or five violations in 12 months, or five or more in 24 months) as grounds for suspension. Minnesota DPS, Driver compliance limited license; Minnesota Driver's Manual ch. 7 |
| Missouri | Missouri uses a point system run by the Director of Revenue. Points are assessed only after a conviction. The Department sends a notice at 4 or more points in 12 months, suspends the license at 8 points in 18 months, and revokes it at 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months. A points suspension lasts 30 days the first time, 60 days the second time, and 90 days for later suspensions; without proof of insurance (SR-22) it continues for two years. RSMo §§ 302.302, 302.304 |
| Montana | Montana assigns conviction points to identify habitual traffic offenders. A driver who accumulates 30 or more conviction points within a 3-year period is a habitual traffic offender, and the department revokes the license for 3 years (the points that led to the designation are then removed). If one incident produces several convictions, only the highest point value counts. MCA 61-11-203, 61-11-211 |
| Nebraska | Nebraska uses a point system. A driver who accumulates 12 or more points within any two-year period has the license summarily revoked for six months and must complete a driver improvement course of at least four hours before reinstatement. During that revocation, a non-commercial vehicle may be driven under an employment driving permit or medical hardship driving permit. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-4,182, 60-4,183 |
| Nevada | Nevada uses a demerit point system for convictions of moving violations. Accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months results in an automatic 6-month license suspension. Serious violations such as DUI or causing serious injury or death do not use the point system; they bring immediate suspension or revocation. Nevada DMV, Demerit Point System |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire uses a demerit point system counted by calendar year (using the violation date). Drivers 21 and older face suspension of up to 3 months for 12 points in one calendar year, up to 6 months for 18 points in 2 consecutive calendar years, and up to 1 year for 24 points in 3 consecutive calendar years. Drivers 18 to under 21: 9, 15 and 21 points. Drivers under 18: 6, 12 and 18 points. If one incident leads to several convictions, points are assessed for only the highest-value offense. Out-of-state convictions are also assessed points. N.H. Admin. Rules, Saf-C 212.02 |
| New Jersey | New Jersey uses a point system. A driver with 12 or more points on the current driving record has the license suspended after a notice of scheduled suspension by mail. Six or more points within three years leads to an MVC surcharge. A moving violation committed outside New Jersey is assessed 2 points. NJ MVC, Suspensions and Restorations (Points System) |
| New Mexico | New Mexico uses a point system. If a driver's points reach 12 or more for violations within 12 consecutive months, the MVD suspends the license for 12 months. If a driver has 7 to 10 points within one year and a municipal or magistrate judge recommends it, the MVD suspends the license for up to three months. 18.19.5.54–.55 NMAC (2023); New Mexico Driver Manual |
| New York | New York uses a driver point system. Points are added only after a conviction and are counted by the date of the violation. If a driver gets 11 points in 24 months, the license may be suspended. A driver who receives 6 or more points in 18 months must also pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee. NY DMV, The New York State Driver Point System |
| North Carolina | North Carolina uses a driver license point system (separate from insurance points). The DMV may suspend a license when a driver accumulates 12 or more points within three years, or 8 or more points in the three years after a license is reinstated following a suspension or revocation for traffic offenses. A first points suspension is up to 60 days, a second up to six months, and later suspensions up to one year; the DMV may substitute up to one year of probation. At 7 points, the DMV may call the driver to a conference. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-16(a)(5), (c) |
| North Dakota | Yes. Points are entered on the driving record for each traffic conviction or admitted violation. At 12 or more points, the Department of Transportation notifies the driver it intends to suspend the license, and after a hearing or the chance for one, suspends it: 7 days at 12 points, and 7 days for each point over 11 at 13 points or more. N.D. Cent. Code § 39-06.1-10(1)-(2) |
| Ohio | Yes. Courts assess points for traffic convictions and the BMV records them. If a driver is charged 12 or more points within a two-year period (counted from the first conviction in that period), the Registrar imposes a class D suspension, which is six months. The suspension takes effect on the 20th day after the notice is mailed unless the driver files a petition appealing it in the local municipal or county court. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4510.036, 4510.037(B), 4510.02(B)(4) |
| Oklahoma | Yes. Points are added to the driving record for convictions of certain violations, mostly traffic offenses. When the point total reaches 10 or more within a five-year period, the license is suspended: one month for a first point suspension, three months for a second, six months for a third, and twelve months for a fourth or later one. Service Oklahoma, Violations, Suspensions & Reinstatements FAQ; 47 O.S. § 6-206 |
| Oregon | Oregon does not use a point system. Instead, the DMV's Driver Improvement Program counts 'driver improvement offenses' (convictions for listed offenses and preventable accidents). For drivers 18 and older: three in a 24-month period leads to a 30-day restriction (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m.); five in a 24-month period leads to a 30-day suspension, with another 30-day suspension for each additional one within two years. Drivers under 18 face a 90-day work-only restriction after two and a six-month suspension after three. OAR 735-072-0020; OAR 735-064-0220; ODOT DMV, Suspensions, Revocations and Cancellations |
| Pennsylvania | Yes. PennDOT adds points for convictions of certain moving violations and takes action at 6 points. The first time a record reaches 6 points, the driver must pass a special written point exam or complete Driver Improvement School within 30 days, or the license is suspended until they do. A second or later accumulation of 6 points requires a Departmental hearing and Driver Improvement School and may lead to a suspension of up to 15 days (second time) or 30 days (third or later). At 11 points, the license is automatically suspended: 5 days per point for a first suspension, 10 days per point for a second, 15 days per point for a third, and one year for later ones. Drivers under 18 are suspended at 6 points or for driving 26+ mph over the limit (90 days first, 120 days after). 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 1535, 1538, 1539; PennDOT Point System Fact Sheet (March 2024) |
| South Carolina | Yes. Points are assigned for traffic convictions, and 12 points leads to a DMV suspension: 12-15 points = three months; 16-17 points = four months; 18-19 points = five months; 20 or more points = six months. The driver may request a review of the driving record. Warning tickets carry no points. S.C. Code §§ 56-1-720, 56-1-730, 56-1-740(A) |
| South Dakota | Yes. Points are assessed for moving traffic convictions (for example: driving while intoxicated 10, reckless driving 8, eluding police or drag racing 6, failure to yield, improper passing or driving on the wrong side 4, stop sign or light violation 3, other moving offenses 2). A driver is subject to suspension after 15 points within any 12 consecutive months or 22 points within any 24 consecutive months. Based on the record over the last 48 months, a first suspension is 60 days, a second is six months, and later ones are one year. SDCL §§ 32-12-49.1, 32-12-49.2, 32-12-49.3 |
| Tennessee | Yes. Adult drivers who accumulate 12 or more points within any 12-month period are sent a notice of proposed suspension and may request an administrative hearing; without a hearing, driving privileges are suspended for six to 12 months. Drivers under 18 who accumulate 6 or more points in any 12-month period are placed in the Driver Improvement Program: 6-9 points may bring a 3-to-6-month suspension plus a required Defensive Driving Course within 90 days, and 10 or more points brings a six-month suspension. A parent or guardian must attend the juvenile's hearing. Tennessee Dept. of Safety, Driver Improvement Points Accumulation |
| Texas | Texas repealed its Driver Responsibility Program (Transportation Code Chapter 708), which had assessed point surcharges, effective September 1, 2019; DPS reinstated licenses suspended only for unpaid surcharges. DPS still suspends the license of a 'habitual violator': a driver with four or more moving-violation convictions from separate incidents in 12 consecutive months, or seven or more in 24 months. Drivers under 18 can be suspended for two or more moving violations within 12 months. Tex. Transp. Code § 521.292; DPS, Driver Responsibility Program |
| Utah | Yes. Points are assessed for moving-violation convictions or bail forfeitures. Adults (21 and older) who accumulate 200 or more points in three years may be suspended for three months to a year. Drivers 20 and under who accumulate 70 or more points in three years may be suspended or denied for 30 days to a year. Serious violations such as DUI carry mandatory suspension or revocation and are handled outside the point system. Utah Driver License Division, Utah Points System; Utah Admin. Code R708-3 |
| Vermont | Yes. Vermont assigns demerit points for moving-violation convictions (not parking, equipment, size, or weight violations). When a driver reaches at least 10 points in a two-year period, the DMV Commissioner suspends the license after at least 10 days' notice (with a hearing on request to verify the records): 10 days for 10 points, 30 days for 15 points, 90 days for 20 points, and 30 more days for each additional 5 points. The DMV can also suspend habitual offenders and charges a reinstatement fee after every suspension. 23 V.S.A. §§ 2501, 2502, 2505, 2506; Vermont Judiciary, Judicial Bureau |
| Virginia | Yes. DMV assigns demerit points (3, 4, or 6 per conviction) and also awards safe driving points (one per full calendar year without violations or suspensions, up to five). Drivers 18 and older with 12 demerit points in 12 months or 18 in 24 months must attend a driver improvement clinic and are placed on six months' probation. With 18 points in 12 months or 24 in 24 months, DMV suspends the license for 90 days and until a clinic is completed (or the driver may choose nine months in the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program plus a clinic). A point-carrying violation committed while on probation brings a 45-, 60-, or 90-day suspension. Drivers under 18 face clinic and probation at 9 points in 12 months or 12 in 24 months. Va. Code §§ 46.2-492, 46.2-498, 46.2-499, 46.2-506; DMV, The Points System |
| Washington | Washington does not use points; it counts moving-violation 'occasions' (multiple tickets from one traffic stop count as one). DOL suspends the license for 60 days after moving violations on 3 separate occasions in 12 months or 4 in 24 months, followed by one year of probation; each moving violation during probation adds a 30-day suspension. A warning notice is sent at 2 occasions in one year or 3 in two years. The driver must complete a safe driving course before reinstatement and may request a review within 15 days of the suspension letter. RCW 46.20.2892; DOL, Accumulation of traffic tickets |
| West Virginia | Yes. Points are assessed for traffic violations by severity, including violations anywhere in the U.S. (using the West Virginia schedule). At 6 points the driver gets a warning letter. Suspensions: 12-13 points = 30 days; 14-15 = 45 days; 16-17 = 60 days; 18-19 = 90 days; 20 or more = 120 days. Suspensions generally run consecutively, and points earned while suspended add another suspension afterward. WV DMV, Point System |
| Wisconsin | Yes. Courts report traffic convictions and DMV assesses demerit points. Accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period (based on violation dates) leads to suspension. For a regular license: 12-16 points = 2 months; 17-22 = 4 months; 23-30 = 6 months; more than 30 = 1 year. For a probationary license, instruction permit, or no license: 12-30 points = 6 months; more than 30 = 1 year, and points are doubled for second and later convictions. eNotify subscribers with 6-11 points get a warning. WisDOT DMV, Wisconsin's point system; Wis. Admin. Code ch. Trans 101 |
| Wyoming | WYDOT's guide does not describe a point system; instead it counts moving violations. A driver may have up to three moving violations in a 12-month period; on the fourth, the driving privilege is suspended for 90 days, and each additional moving violation within 12 months of the last three adds another 90-day suspension. The offense date determines the 12-month period. Holders of a restricted (RC) license are suspended 90 days for a first moving violation and one year for a second. WYDOT, A Guide to Driving Privilege Withdrawals (Moving Violation Suspension) |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.