Driving on a suspended license adds points to your record, but the exact number depends on your state and the reason your license was suspended
When you drive with a suspended license, you are committing a separate violation from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. Most states assign points to this violation — points that go on your driving record and can lead to further penalties. The number of points varies widely: some states assign 4 points, others assign 6, 8, or even 12. A few states use a different system altogether and do not assign points at all.
The reason your license was suspended matters too. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, driving on that suspension may carry fewer points than if you were suspended for a DUI or reckless driving conviction. Some states treat a first offense more leniently than a second or third offense. Because the rules are so different from state to state, you need to know your own state's system to understand what you are facing.
Key Takeaways
- Driving on a suspended license is a separate violation that adds points to your record in most states, with the number ranging from 4 to 12 points depending on your state.
- The reason your license was suspended — unpaid fines, DUI, medical reasons, or other violations — affects how many points you receive for driving while suspended.
- Accumulating too many points in a set period (usually three to five years) can result in license revocation, which is permanent until you meet specific conditions to restore it.
- Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency publishes the exact point values for all violations, including driving with a suspended license.
How points are assigned for this violation
When a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, they write a citation for driving with a suspended license. That citation carries a point value set by your state law. In California, for example, it is 6 points. In New York, it is 8 points. In Texas, it is 6 points. In Florida, it is 12 points — one of the highest in the country.
Some states have a tiered system: driving with a suspended license for a minor reason (like an unpaid parking ticket) might be 4 points, while driving with a suspended license for a serious reason (like a DUI suspension) might be 8 or 10 points. You need to check your state's traffic violation code or your state's DMV website to find the exact point value for your situation.
A few states — including Hawaii and some others — do not use a point system at all. Instead, they assign fines or jail time directly. If you live in one of these states, you will not see points added to your record, but you will still face other consequences.
What happens when points accumulate
Points do not stay on your record forever. Most states use a point accumulation period of three to five years. This means points from violations that occurred more than three to five years ago (depending on your state) no longer count toward your total. However, while they are active, they add up.
Once you reach a certain threshold — often 12 to 15 points in a three-year period — your license is suspended again. If you reach an even higher threshold, your license may be revoked, which is more serious than a suspension. A revocation usually lasts longer and requires you to meet specific conditions (like completing a driver safety course or paying a reinstatement fee) before you can drive legally again.
The points from driving on a suspended license count toward this total just like any other violation. So if you already had points on your record and then drive while suspended, you are adding to a problem that may already be close to triggering another suspension or revocation.
How this violation differs by state
| State | Points for Driving While Suspended | Point Accumulation Period |
|---|---|---|
| California | 6 points | 3 years |
| Florida | 12 points | 3 years |
| New York | 8 points | 3 years |
| Texas | 6 points | 3 years |
| Ohio | 6 points | 2 years |
The table above shows a few examples, but your state may differ. Some states also distinguish between a suspended license (temporary, usually lifted after you meet a condition) and a revoked license (permanent until you reapply). Driving on a revoked license often carries more points than driving on a suspended license in the same state.
Additionally, some states have separate point values depending on whether you knew your license was suspended. If you were notified by mail and ignored it, you may face more points than if you were unaware. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to confirm the exact point value for your situation.
How insurance companies view these points
Beyond the state's point system, your insurance company tracks violations on your driving record. A conviction for driving with a suspended license is a serious mark that signals you drove illegally. Insurance companies use this information to decide whether to renew your policy, raise your rates, or drop you altogether.
Most insurance companies will raise your premium significantly after a suspended license violation — often by 25 to 50 percent or more. Some companies will not insure you at all if you have this violation on your record. If you do find a company willing to insure you, you may be placed in a high-risk category and charged substantially more.
This insurance impact can last for three to five years, even after the points drop off your state record. Insurance companies keep their own records separate from the state's point system, and they may penalize you longer than the state does.
What you can do if you have points from this violation
If you have already been convicted of driving with a suspended license, you have a few options depending on your state. Some states allow you to take a defensive driving course, which can remove a small number of points from your record or prevent points from being added in the first place. Other states do not allow point reduction for this particular violation.
You can also request a hearing to contest the violation if you believe the stop was unlawful or if you have a valid reason the officer should have known your license was valid. This is rare and requires legal grounds, but it is an option. If you cannot afford an attorney, some states have public defender services that can help.
The most important step is to get your license reinstated as soon as possible. The longer you drive with a suspended license, the more violations you risk accumulating. Once your suspension is lifted, focus on maintaining a clean record so that points from this violation age off your record and stop counting toward future suspensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get points removed from my record for driving on a suspended license?
Some states allow defensive driving courses to reduce points, but many states do not permit point reduction for this specific violation. A few states allow points to be removed through petition after a certain period of time. Contact your state's DMV to learn what options are available in your state.
How long do these points stay on my record?
Points typically remain active for three to five years, depending on your state. After that period, they stop counting toward license suspension or revocation, but they may still appear on your driving record for insurance purposes for a longer period.
Will I lose my license again if I get points for driving while suspended?
If the points from this violation push your total above your state's threshold, yes — your license can be suspended or revoked again. The threshold is usually 12 to 15 points in a three-year period, but it varies by state.
Does the reason my license was suspended affect the points I get?
In some states, yes. Driving while suspended for a serious reason like DUI may carry more points than driving while suspended for unpaid fines. Check your state's traffic code to see if your specific suspension reason affects the point value.
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
In most states, no — a suspension means you cannot drive for any reason. Some states issue a restricted or hardship license that allows driving to work or medical appointments, but you must request this before or when ready after the suspension begins. Driving without this restricted license still counts as driving with a suspended license.