DMV's point system flags "persistent violators": drivers who commit a series of violations in a short time. Each moving violation adds points to your record, and enough of them within two years triggers a suspension. Fines are charged on top of any points.
Know the rule
Traffic laws that apply on public highways, roads and streets also apply in parking lots open to the public.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Speeding points (mph over the posted limit)
| Over the limit | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 to 10 mph | 3 |
| 11 to 20 mph | 4 |
| 21 to 30 mph | 6 |
| 31 to 40 mph | 8 |
| Over 40 mph | 11 |
8- and 11-point violations
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Aggravated unlicensed operation (1st, 2nd or 3rd) | 11 |
| DWI / DWAI / Aggravated DWI / DWAI drugs | 11 |
| Chemical test refusals | 11 |
| Speed in a construction zone | 8 |
| Over-height vehicle | 8 |
| Failed to stop for school bus | 8 |
5-point violations
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless driving | 5 |
| Speed contests and races | 5 |
| Improper cell phone use | 5 |
| Texting (portable electronic device) | 5 |
| Railroad crossing violation | 5 |
| Leaving scene of a personal injury accident | 5 |
| Failure to exercise due care | 5 |
| Facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation | 5 |
3- and 4-point violations
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Failed to yield the right-of-way | 3 |
| Red light; disobeying signal, STOP or YIELD sign | 3 |
| Improper passing, changing lanes unsafely | 3 |
| Driving left of center, in the wrong direction | 3 |
| Leaving the scene of a property damage incident | 3 |
| Child safety restraint violation | 3 |
| No seat belt, driver/passenger 16 or older | 3 |
| Inadequate brakes (employer's vehicle) | 4 |
2- and 0-point violations
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Failure to signal | 2 |
| Improper turn | 2 |
| Disobeying a traffic control device | 2 |
| Most other moving violations | 2 |
| Tinted window | 0 |
| Unlicensed, uninspected or faulty equipment | 0 |
Within 24 months: DMV notifies you by mail that your license will be suspended
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
Points count from the date you commit the violation, not the date you are convicted.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
At a DMV hearing you can only show that the convictions weren't yours. You cannot re-argue them or ask to waive the suspension for special circumstances.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
A DMV-approved Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Course can reduce your total by up to 4 points and save up to 10% on liability and collision premiums. It cannot prevent a mandatory suspension or revocation, bank credit against future points, or reduce a Driver Responsibility Assessment.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Know the rule
Insurance companies can have their own point systems. They are unrelated to the DMV point system.
Handbook p. 22 ↗Put it into practice
You're convicted of driving 25 mph over the limit (6 points) and running a red light (3 points): 9 points. An improper turn (2 points) within 24 months of the first violation brings you to 11, and DMV will suspend your license.