In the Great Lakes State, driving is a privilege, not a right. To keep Michigan roads safe, the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) uses a comprehensive point system to track traffic violations and identify high-risk drivers. Every time you are convicted of a moving violation, points are added to your driving record, and if those points stack up, you could face heavy fines, insurance hikes, or even the loss of your license.
Understanding how these points accumulate and more importantly how to manage them is vital for every Michigan motorist. Here is your guide to the Michigan point system and how to protect your driving privileges.
1. How the Michigan Point System Works
Under Michigan law, points are entered into your official record after the SOS receives notice of a conviction or a civil infraction. Unlike some states where points linger for years, Michigan points specifically remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the conviction.
However, it is important to note that the underlying violation itself can stay on your public record for up to seven years, which is what insurance companies often look at when setting your rates.
2. Common Violations and Their Point Values
Michigan categorizes violations based on severity. The more dangerous the behavior, the higher the point value. According to the Michigan Department of State, common point values include:
- 6 Points: Manslaughter, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Reckless Driving, or Fleeing a Police Officer.
- 4 Points: Drag Racing, Operating While Visibly Impaired, or Speeding 16 mph or more over the limit.
- 3 Points: Careless Driving, Disobeying a Traffic Signal/Stop Sign, or Speeding 11 through 15 mph over the limit.
- 2 Points: Speeding 10 mph or less over the limit, Open Alcohol Container in a vehicle, and most other moving violations.
3. The Consequences of Accumulating Points
The SOS tracks your point total closely. If you reach certain “milestones” within a two-year period, the state will take action:
- 4 Points: You will receive a warning letter in the mail advising you of your record.
- 8 Points: A second, more serious warning letter is sent.
- 12 Points: This is the critical threshold. At 12 points, the SOS may require you to attend a Driver Re-examination. During this hearing, a driver analyst will review your record and may suspend, revoke, or restrict your license.
4. How to Prevent Points with the Michigan BDIC
The most effective way to protect your record after a ticket is the Michigan 4-Hour Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC). If you receive a ticket for an eligible violation (typically those worth 3 points or less), the SOS will send you a notice in the mail informing you of your eligibility to take this course.
Why the BDIC is Essential for Michigan Drivers:
- Point Suppression: If you complete the course within 60 days of receiving your eligibility notice, the points from that ticket will not be added to your public driving record.
- Insurance Protection: Because the points are suppressed, the SOS does not report the ticket to your insurance company. This prevents the “insurance spike” that typically follows a speeding ticket.
- Defensive Skills: The ASI Michigan BDIC provides a deep dive into safe driving habits, covering topics like Michigan-specific traffic laws, hazard recognition, and avoiding aggressive driving.
- Convenience: The course is 100 percent online, self-paced, and approved by the State of Michigan. There are no hidden fees, and your completion is reported automatically to the SOS.
Keep Your Record Clean and Your Rates Low
A single lapse in judgment on the road shouldn’t have to haunt your wallet for years. By staying informed about the Michigan Point System and taking advantage of the Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course, you can proactively manage your driving history.
Don’t wait for a re-examination notice to arrive. If you are eligible for the BDIC, complete it today to maintain your clean record, improve your safety skills, and keep your insurance premiums manageable!
