Michigan suspends a driver's license under 18 after accumulating 4 points within a 12-month period
In Michigan, the point system for drivers under 18 is stricter than for adults. Once you hit 4 points in any 12-month window, the Secretary of State will suspend your license automatically. This is not a warning or a fine — your driving privilege stops until you meet the reinstatement requirements.
The 4-point threshold applies only to drivers under 18. Once you turn 18, the suspension threshold jumps to 12 points in a 12-month period. This means a teen driver has far less room for error than an adult, and points stay on your record longer.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan suspends licenses for drivers under 18 after 4 points accumulate within 12 months, compared to 12 points for adults.
- Points come from traffic violations like speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents, and each violation carries a specific point value.
- A suspension under 18 lasts at least 30 days, but you must also complete a driver improvement course and pay a reinstatement fee before driving again.
- Points remain on your driving record for two years from the violation date, so even after reinstatement, they count toward future suspensions.
- Certain violations like texting while driving or driving with a suspended license carry automatic license suspension regardless of your point total.
What violations put points on a teen driver's record
Not every traffic ticket adds points. Michigan assigns points based on the severity of the violation. Common violations for teen drivers include speeding (1 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit), careless driving (3 points), reckless driving (6 points), and at-fault accidents (3 points). Improper passing, failure to yield, and running a red light each carry 2 points.
Some violations carry more points than others. A single reckless driving conviction (6 points) gets you halfway to suspension on its own. Two speeding tickets at 15 miles over the limit (4 points each) would trigger suspension when ready. The point value depends on the specific charge the officer writes on the ticket.
You can find the exact point value for any violation on your ticket or by calling the Secretary of State at 1-888-SOS-MICH. The ticket itself should list the violation code, which corresponds to a point value in Michigan's traffic code.
How the 12-month counting window works
Michigan counts points within a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year. This means the clock starts from the date of each violation, not January 1st. If you receive a ticket on March 15, that violation counts toward suspension for 12 months from March 15. A second ticket on April 1 of the next year would not count toward the same suspension window as the first ticket.
Once 12 months pass from a violation date, that violation's points drop off the active count — but the violation itself stays on your record for two years. This distinction matters: old points do not cause suspension, but they still appear on your driving history and can affect insurance rates.
If you accumulate 4 points within any 12-month period, the suspension is automatic. You do not receive a warning or a chance to take a course to avoid it. The Secretary of State will mail you a suspension notice.
Violations that suspend your license when ready, regardless of points
Some violations bypass the point system entirely and suspend your license on the spot. Texting while driving under 18 results in automatic suspension. Driving with a suspended or revoked license also triggers when ready suspension. Fleeing or eluding police, driving under the influence, and certain drug-related violations carry automatic suspension as well.
These suspensions are separate from the point-based system. Even if you have zero points, committing one of these violations will suspend your license. The suspension length varies by violation — some last 30 days, others 90 days or longer.
What happens when your license is suspended
Once the Secretary of State issues a suspension notice, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries fines, jail time, and additional license suspension. Police can stop you and arrest you for this violation alone.
Your suspension lasts a minimum of 30 days. Before you can drive again, you must complete a driver improvement course approved by Michigan. This course typically takes 4 to 8 hours and covers safe driving practices and the consequences of traffic violations. You pay for the course yourself — costs range from $20 to $50 depending on the provider.
After completing the course, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State. This fee is separate from any fines you owe for the original violation. You then submit proof of course completion and pay the reinstatement fee, and your license is restored.
How points affect your driving record and insurance
Points remain visible on your driving record for two years from the violation date. Even after your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, those points still count if you receive another violation within the two-year window. Insurance companies also see these points and use them to calculate your rates.
A teen driver with points on their record will pay higher insurance premiums than one with a clean record. Some insurers may refuse to cover a driver under 18 with multiple violations, or they may require the teen to take a defensive driving course to lower the rate. The cost of higher insurance often exceeds the cost of the original ticket.
Points do not disappear after two years — they straightforward stop counting toward suspension. Your record still shows the violation, which can affect future insurance quotes and may be considered in court if you face another violation.
Steps to take if you receive a ticket
When you get a ticket, check the violation code and point value when ready. You can look this up on the ticket itself or call the Secretary of State. If you have other recent violations, add up the points to see how close you are to the 4-point threshold.
You have options: pay the ticket, contest it in traffic court, or ask about a traffic safety course. Some courts allow first-time offenders to take a course that removes the violation from their record if completed successfully. This option is not available for all violations, and you must ask about it before paying the ticket.
If you are close to 4 points, consider fighting the ticket in court or exploring the course option. The cost of a lawyer or court appearance may be worth it to avoid suspension, which prevents you from driving to school, work, or activities for at least 30 days and requires a course and reinstatement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to school or work during a suspension?
No. A suspension means you cannot drive for any reason, including school, work, or medical appointments. Some states allow "hardship licenses" for limited driving, but Michigan does not. You must find alternative transportation until your suspension ends and you complete reinstatement.
Do points from violations before I turned 18 count after my birthday?
Yes, points stay on your record for two years from the violation date, regardless of your age. However, once you turn 18, the suspension threshold changes from 4 points to 12 points. Points accumulated before age 18 still count toward the 12-point threshold if they are within two years of your 18th birthday.
What if I was not the driver when the ticket was issued?
The ticket is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. If you were not driving, you can contest the ticket in court and provide evidence of who was actually driving. Bring a witness or other proof that someone else was behind the wheel.
How long does a driver improvement course take?
Most approved courses take 4 to 8 hours and can be completed in one day or spread over multiple sessions. Some are offered online, others in person. You must complete the course before paying the reinstatement fee. The Secretary of State provides a list of approved providers on its website.
Can I get my points reduced or removed?
Points cannot be removed early, but you can prevent future violations by driving safely. Once two years pass from a violation date, those points no longer count toward suspension. Taking a defensive driving course may lower your insurance rates but does not remove points from your record.