Driver’s License Points: State Guide for 2024

Driver’s license points are assigned to your driving record when you are convicted of a moving violation. The number of points added to your license for each violation depends on the seriousness of the infraction, so minor violations like speeding aren’t worth as many points as major offenses like DUI. If you accumulate too many points on your license within a certain period of time, you could have your license suspended by the state DMV.

Key Things to Know About Driver’s License Points

• Points are assigned after you are convicted of a moving violation.
• The number of points added to your license depends on the severity of the violation.
• Accumulating too many points in a certain timeframe will cause your license to be suspended.
• Each state’s points system is different, and some don’t use points at all.

How Do Driver’s License Points Work?

Motor vehicle departments in most states will score your driving record by assigning points for each piece of negative information. In all states that use points systems, the number of points assigned for each violation is based on the severity of the infraction. Points are not added for non-moving violations like parking tickets. However, New York assigns them for seatbelt tickets, and several states now classify using your cellphone while driving as a moving violation.

If you accumulate too many points in a specific period of time, you can face several consequences:

• Driver’s license probation or suspension
• Less leniency in traffic court
• Higher insurance rates
• Being designated a “high-risk” to insure

In the nine states that don’t use points, suspensions are based on the severity of violations as well as the number of violations on a driving record.

In most states, points only stay on your license for a certain period of time. Once they expire, they cannot be used to suspend your license. The violation itself can stay on your driving record for longer, however, and it will still affect insurance rates for the duration of your insurer’s lookback period, which is usually 3-5 years. 

How Driver’s License Points Affect Insurance

Points on your license do not directly affect your insurance premium. However, the violations that add points to your record will usually cause your rates to increase. Insurance companies do use points, but not those used by the DMV.

Most insurance companies calculate premiums using a separate points system established by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a national insurance advisory organization. An exception to this is North Carolina, which has its own statewide program for insurance points.

Points are assigned to your insurance record for moving violations and claims that you’ve filed, and as you accumulate more points, a surcharge is added to your premium. And if you pass a certain point threshold, you might be dropped by your insurer for being too high-risk.

Having points on your license can be worrying for any driver, especially if you’re on the verge of having your license suspended. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to diminish their impact.

Driver’s License Points by State

Alabama

Drivers in Alabama start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Alabama driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 to 14 points in 2 years.

Alaska

Drivers in Alaska start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 10 points for major violations. Your Alaska driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months, or more points in a longer time frame.

Arizona

Drivers in Arizona start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your Arizona driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 8 points in 12 months.

Arkansas

Drivers in Arkansas start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your Arkansas driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate a balance of 14 points in total.

California

Drivers in California start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 2 points for major violations. Your California driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 4 points in 12 months, or more points in a longer time frame.

Colorado

Drivers in Colorado start out with 0 points on their license and receive 4 points for minor violations as well as 12 points for major violations. Your Colorado driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months, or more points in a longer time frame.

Connecticut

Drivers in Connecticut start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 5 points for major violations. Your Connecticut driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 10 points in 24 months.

Delaware

Drivers in Delaware start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Delaware driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 14 points in 24 months.

District of Columbia

Drivers in the District of Columbia start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your D.C. driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 10 points in 24 months.

Florida

Drivers in Florida start out with 0 points on their license and receive 3 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Florida driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months, or more points in a longer time frame.

Georgia

Drivers in Georgia start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Georgia driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 15 points in 24 months.

Hawaii

Drivers in Hawaii do not receive points on their license because Hawaii does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Hawaii can have their license suspended for violations like DUIs, criminal traffic violations, failing a blood alcohol test, or violating state insurance laws.

Idaho

Drivers in Idaho start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 4 points for major violations. Your Idaho driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 to 17 points in 12 months.

Illinois

Drivers in Illinois start out with 0 points on their license and receive 5 points for minor violations as well as 55 points for major violations. Your Illinois driver’s license will be suspended if you commit 3 violations in 12 months.

Indiana

Drivers in Indiana start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your Indiana driver’s license will be suspended if you commit 2 violations in 12 months.

Iowa

Drivers in Iowa start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Iowa driver’s license will be suspended if you commit 3 or more moving violations in 12 months.

Kansas

Drivers in Kansas do not receive points on their license because Kansas does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Kansas can have their license suspended for violations like DUIs, criminal traffic violations, failure to pay traffic tickets, or having insurance lapses.

Kentucky

Drivers in Kentucky start out with 0 points on their license and receive 3 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Kentucky driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 24 months.

Louisiana

Drivers in Louisiana do not receive points on their license because Louisiana does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Louisiana can have their license suspended for violations like DUIs, excessive or criminal moving violations, or driving without insurance.

Maine

Drivers in Maine start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your Maine driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months.

Maryland

Drivers in Maryland start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 12 points for major violations. Your Maryland driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 8 points in 24 months.

Massachusetts

Drivers in Massachusetts start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 5 points for major violations. Your Massachusetts driver’s license will be suspended if you commit 3 surchargeable offenses in 2 years, or more violations in a longer time frame.

Michigan

Drivers in Michigan start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Michigan driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 24 months.

Minnesota

Drivers in Minnesota do not receive points on their license because Minnesota does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Minnesota can have their license suspended for violations like criminal moving violations, DUIs, or 4 violations in 12 months.

Mississippi

Drivers in Mississippi do not receive points on their license because Mississippi does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Mississippi can have their license suspended for violations like DUIs, driving without insurance, excessive moving violations, or reckless driving.

Missouri

Drivers in Missouri start out with 0 points on their license and receive 3 points for minor violations as well as 12 points for major violations. Your Missouri driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months, or more points in a longer time frame.

Montana

Drivers in Montana start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 15 points for major violations. Your Montana driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 30 points in 36 months.

Nebraska

Drivers in Nebraska start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 12 points for major violations. Your Nebraska driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 24 months.

Nevada

Drivers in Nevada start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your Nevada driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months.

New Hampshire

Drivers in New Hampshire start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your New Hampshire driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months, or more points in a longer time frame.

New Jersey

Drivers in New Jersey start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your New Jersey driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate a balance of 12 points in total.

New Mexico

Drivers in New Mexico start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your New Mexico driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 7 points in 12 months.

New York

Drivers in New York start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 11 point for major violations. Your New York driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 11 point in 18 months.

North Carolina

Drivers in North Carolina start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 5 points for major violations. Your North Carolina driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 36 months, or more points in a longer time frame.

North Dakota

Drivers in North Dakota start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 24 points for major violations. Your North Dakota driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate a balance of 12 points in total.

Ohio

Drivers in Ohio start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Ohio driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 24 months.

Oklahoma

Drivers in Oklahoma start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 4 points for major violations. Your Oklahoma driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 10 points in 60 months.

Oregon

Drivers in Oregon do not receive points on their license because Oregon does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Oregon can have their license suspended for violations like DUIs, driving without insurance, or 3 criminal traffic violations in 5 years.

Pennsylvania

Drivers in Pennsylvania start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 5 points for major violations. You receive a hearing and possible suspension of your Pennsylvania driver’s license for a second offense of reaching a balance of 6 points.

Rhode Island

Drivers in Rhode Island do not receive points on their license because Rhode Island does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Rhode Island can have their license suspended for violations like DUIs, excessive moving violations, lapses in insurance coverage, or 3 reckless driving convictions in 12 months.

South Carolina

Drivers in South Carolina start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your South Carolina driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months.

South Dakota

Drivers in South Dakota start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 10 points for major violations. Your South Dakota driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 15 points in 12 months, or more points in a longer time frame.

Tennessee

Drivers in Tennessee start out with 0 points on their license and receive 1 point for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your Tennessee driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months.

Texas

Drivers in Texas do not receive points on their license because Texas does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Texas can have their license suspended for violations like DUIs, failing a blood alcohol test, street racing, or 4 moving violations in 12 months.

Utah

Drivers in Utah start out with 0 points on their license and receive 35 points for minor violations as well as 80 points for major violations. Your Utah driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 200 points in 36 months.

Vermont

Drivers in Vermont start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your Vermont driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 10 points in 24 months.

Virginia

Drivers in Virginia start out with 0 points on their license and receive 3 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Virginia driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 18 points in 12 months, or more points in a longer time frame.

Washington

Drivers in Washington do not receive points on their license because Washington does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Washington can have their license suspended for violations like DUIs, lapses in insurance coverage, or 3 serious offenses in 5 year.

West Virginia

Drivers in West Virginia start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 8 points for major violations. Your West Virginia driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 24 months.

Wisconsin

Drivers in Wisconsin start out with 0 points on their license and receive 2 points for minor violations as well as 6 points for major violations. Your Wisconsin driver’s license will be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months.

Wyoming

Drivers in Wyoming do not receive points on their license because Wyoming does not use a points-based system. Rather, drivers in Wyoming can have their license suspended for violations like DUIs, reckless driving, lapses in insurance coverage, or leaving the scene of an accident.

Note: the list of offenses that can trigger a license suspension is not exhaustive. Surchargeable events are any incidents that result in an increase in the operator’s insurance premium, including at-fault accidents and traffic violations.

How to Check How Many Points Are on Your License

To check how many points are on your license, you can go to your state DMV’s website, mail a request for a copy of your driving record, or visit your local DMV in person. Checking for license points is free in some states, while other states might charge a fee of $2 to $25 to check how many points are on your license.

You will generally need your license number, birth date, and/or Social Security number to see the number of points on your license.

Learn more about checking how many points are on your license.

3 Tips If You Have Points On Your License

1. Take a Defensive Driving Course

Several states allow you to reduce the number of points on your record by taking an approved defensive driving class. Specific requirements and point deductions vary by state, but you are usually only allowed to take one class within a certain timeframe (usually 3-5 years) in order to remove points. Just make sure that the class is approved by the state DMV and that you submit proof when you’ve completed it.

2. Know Exactly What’s on Your Record

If you’ve received multiple moving violations recently, you should check your driving record to see exactly how many points are on your license. Since most states only allow you to accumulate a certain number of points within a period of time before license suspension, staying aware of your point total can help you avoid running into serious consequences.

To check your driving record, you can go to your state DMV’s website. If your state does not offer an online option, you can make the request in person or through the mail.

3. Practice Safe Driving Habits

If you have a few points on your license, the best thing to do is avoid accumulating any more. One or two minor violations won’t lead to a license suspension, and if you work to improve your driving skills, your record will improve over time.

Video: Points on Your Driver’s License Explained

Ask the Experts

For more pointers related to driver’s license points, we posed the following questions to a panel of experts. You can check out their responses by clicking “Read More” below.
1. What advice do you have for people who are worried about the number of points on their license?
2. What are the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to driver’s license points?