How Long Do Points Stay on Your License & Driving Record?

Most states use a DMV point system, where points accumulate, leading to penalties, higher insurance rates, fees, and potential license suspension. Knowing how your state assigns driver’s license points and how insurers respond is key.

Also, keep an eye on your driving record, as past violations can impact your insurance costs for a certain period of time. Knowing how to keep your record clean and shop for insurance based on your points can help minimize the financial hit.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Driving Record?

Common Traffic violations add points to your record, a consequence far beyond the immediate fine. Driver’s license points assigned for infractions like speeding, running red lights, and other moving violations stay on your record forever. However, the impact decreases after three years.

Point accumulation is not just an administrative issue; it’s also financial and legal. It means higher insurance premiums, potential license suspension, and even job loss for those in professions that require a clean record.

The point system in the US varies by state. Still, generally, points on your record mean higher risk to car insurance companies and higher insurance premiums.

Knowing how long driver’s license points stay on your record and how to mitigate the effects is crucial. Some states offer defensive driving courses or point reduction programs that allow you to remove or offset points.

Since points can stay on your record for years, fighting traffic tickets whenever possible can be a smart financial and legal move.

Below is a comprehensive table of how long points stay on your driving record for specific states.

What Points Stay on Your Driver’s License?

The Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV license point system, as it’s officially called, varies in its exact amounts from state to state, but the overall usage remains constant. Nine states don’t use a point system, including Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wyoming. They’ll directly keep track of your driving violations.

Anything from speeding and traffic tickets to at-fault accidents can add penalty points to your driver’s license. The exact number of points depends on the severity of the traffic violation.

An example of the point system in action is that in Illinois, the point amount for a minor violation is 5 points and 55 for a major one like driving under the influence. Let’s say that your vehicle gets involved in a minor car accident and takes on 5 points to your driver’s license.

Suppose you were to have three more violations in a 12-month period in your vehicle (15 points total). In that case, they may result in a suspension of driving privileges. In most states, a DUI may result in an automatic suspension of driving privileges.

Each state has its violation threshold for driver’s license suspensions and the amount of time the penalty points spend on your license. In Illinois, the points of a minor violation, like exceeding the speed limit, will stay on your driver’s license for 4 to 5 years, while a major one can remain on for at least 7.

To check your point balance, visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. The DMV should have your personal information, motor vehicle registration, and driving history on file. If they don’t, you may have to submit a written request.

How do Drivers License Points Affect Insurance Rates?

Auto insurance companies don’t use the DMV point system to determine your policy premiums. They have their own point systems to rate risk. A minor infraction like a speeding ticket adds 1 point to your insurance record, while a major offense like a DUI adds up to 6 points. The more points you have, the higher your rates, surcharges, and fees.

Statistically, a single violation can increase your rates by 18%, and multiple infractions in a 3-year period can increase rates by 50%. For example, a driver with a $1000 premium could see their rate go up to $1500 with accumulated violations. Excessive points on your record can lead to a license suspension period, which can restrict your mobility and affect your job opportunities, especially if you use driving for work.

Additionally, outstanding insurance points can trigger surcharges and high-risk driver penalties. Since each company uses its method to calculate premiums, drivers with points on their records can benefit from shopping around for competitive rates.

Safe driving habits are the best way to mitigate risk and lower rates, as insurance companies favor policyholders with clean driver records.

Which Traffic Violations Add Points to your Driver’s License?

Traffic violations are categorized into two types: moving violations and non-moving violations.

Moving violations occur when a driver breaks traffic laws. At the same time, the vehicle is in motion, and non-moving violations occur when the car is stationary.

Most moving violations result in demerit points on a driver’s license. In contrast, non-moving violations result in fines but do not affect the driver’s record.

Moving Violations that Add Points to Your License

When law enforcement officers catch a driver for a moving violation, points may be added to their license record. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will send the driver an official letter about the point allocation. Common moving violations that add points include:

1. Speeding - Exceeding the speed limit will add points to your record. The number of points depends on the traffic violation.
2. Reckless Driving – Engaging in dangerous or careless driving behavior adds more points and insurance premiums.
3. At-Fault Accidents – Points will be added to your record if a driver is at-fault for a car accident.
4. Failure to Stop - Running a red light, ignoring a stop sign or other traffic signals, ignoring a railroad crossing, or failing to stop behind a school bus can have significant potential consequences.
5. Improper Passing – Illegally passing other vehicles, especially on highways or expressways, is treated like reckless driving.
6. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – One of the most serious infractions, a DUI will add multiple points to your record and stay there for a long time.
7. Illegal Turns – Making an unauthorized turn at an intersection or disobeying a turn restriction will add points.
8. Racing & Eluding an Officer - Engaging in street racing or evading an officer is a serious offense that can result in many points.
9. Failure to Yield or Use Turn Signals – Ignoring right-of-way traffic rules or failing to signal will add points.

Non-moving Violations that Don’t Add Points to Your Record

Non-moving violations do not add points to a driver’s license but may result in fines and penalties. Examples include:

1. Parking Violations include parking in a no-parking zone, in front of a fire hydrant, or in a restricted area. Parking Tickets do not add points to your record.
2. Expired Registration: Driving with out-of-date documents will result in fines.
3. Mechanical Violations – Broken taillights, headlights, turn signals, or illegal exhaust systems fall under this category.
4. Seatbelt Violations – In some states, not wearing a seat belt while driving is a non-moving violation.

Traffic violations, like driving with a broken taillight or an expired registration sticker, can be fixed by addressing the issue right away.

Once the violation is fixed, they can be dismissed or removed from the driver’s record.

Knowing the difference between moving and non-moving violations is vital because moving violations can affect insurance rates, driving privileges, and overall road safety. Safe driving habits are the best way to avoid points, fines, and legal consequences.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your License?

You can expect penalty points for minor violations to stay on your license for two to three years. Major offenses stay on for up to 10 years. Your car insurance company takes the points and traffic violations during this time. It comes up with an amount that determines your vehicle premiums. This is known as the “chargeable period.” Moving violations usually stay on for three years.

At-fault crash points stay on your driver’s license for three years, but your auto insurance may still be affected for the next few years. DUIs can do the same, but in California, they can affect your car insurance for a decade.

Car insurance consequences typically last longer than DMV point damage. Suppose you have penalty points on your license. In that case, increased auto insurance rates, surcharges, and fees on your vehicle are guaranteed.

DMV License Point System and License Suspension Limits

Each state that tracks DMV points has a certain threshold for suspending a driver’s license. While point systems vary by state, the rule is that more severe traffic violation convictions equals more points.

For example, in California, a driver’s license can be suspended at 4 points, in NY at 11 points, and in Illinois after three moving violations.

Points stay on your record for different amounts, depending on the state. In most cases, it’s one to two years, but in some states, it’s 5-10 years. Commercial drivers who get violations more frequently will reach their state’s suspension limit faster due to stricter enforcement and harsher penalties.

How Many Points Does Texting While Driving Add to Your Record?

In many states, texting while driving is considered a serious offense, similar to DUI. Therefore, it is often a moving violation, which means it will add points to your record and increase your car insurance.

The number of points varies by state. NY has 5 points, and other states have 1-3 points. However, additional points will be added if you get in an accident while texting and driving.

Forty-one states have laws against texting and driving. Put the phone away while driving to avoid penalties, accidents, and higher insurance costs.

How Can You Check How Many Points are On Your Driving Record?

You can contact your state’s DMV or driver’s licensing agency to find out the number of points on your driving record. There are three ways to check your driving record:

1. In person at a local DMV office.
2. Online through your state’s DMV website.
3. By mail by sending a request.

Most states charge a fee for your driving record, usually $2 to $25.

What’s on a Driving Record?

Your driving record, also known as an MVR, has all the essential details of your driving history:

1. License status (active, suspended, or revoked).
2. License endorsements and classifications.
3. DUI or DWI convictions.
4. Accumulated points.
5. Outstanding fees and traffic citations.
6. Moving violations and fines.
7. At-Fault Traffic Accidents.
8. Driver Safety Program completion.

Since insurance companies use this to rate you, you should know your record.

Other Reports That Affect Your Insurance Premiums

Beyond your MVR, insurance companies look at other reports to rate you.

1. The C.L.U.E. Report (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a database that tracks a driver’s past claims, including the date, type of incident (accident, theft, or property damage), and the payout amount. Insurance companies use this report to rate risk and set premiums. Frequent claims, even small ones, can increase premiums because insurers see them as financial risks. By looking at their C.L.U.E. Report, drivers can see how past claims affect their rates and reduce unnecessary claims.
2. An Insurance Score is a numerical rating of a driver’s risk level based on driving history, credit score, and location. Insurers use this score to estimate claim probability and set premiums. Higher scores mean lower risk and lower premiums; lower scores mean higher risk and higher costs. While driving history is a significant factor in your insurance record, financial responsibility (reflected in credit history) also plays a role. Keeping good credit and a clean driving record will help drivers get better rates.

Now that you know how C.L.U.E. Reports and Insurance Scores affect your insurance premiums, you can take action to improve your insurance record. A clean driving history, minimal insurance claims, and a good credit score can help you lower premiums over time.

How Can You Prevent Points From Being Added to Your Driving Record?

Contesting a Traffic Ticket

If you think you were wrongly given a traffic ticket, you can contest the ticket in court. By pleading not guilty, you can present your case. While this can be tough, hiring a traffic lawyer may help your cause. Remember, the burden of proof is on you; police officers don’t have to provide concrete evidence of the violation.

Pleading Guilty with Leniency

Instead of contesting the ticket, you can plead guilty and ask for leniency from the court. Explaining the circumstances surrounding the violation and showing a history of good driving can sometimes get the fine reduced or points off your record. This is often easier than fighting the ticket.

Deferred Judgments

Many areas allow drivers to request a deferred judgment, which keeps the violation off their record. The ticket will be dismissed by paying a fee and having a clean record for a year (or longer). But if you get another ticket during that time, both tickets will be on your record.

Reducing Existing Points

Taking a state-approved defensive driving school course is a proactive way to reduce existing points on your record. Many DMVs allow drivers to complete a certified course and submit proof of completion to reduce accumulated points. This is a good option if you want to improve your driving record.

Vehicle Maintenance and Safe Driving Habits

Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained to avoid equipment violation tickets. Check and maintain your:

1. Lights (headlights, tail lights, turn signals)
2. Tires (adequate tread depth and even wear)
3. Windshields (no cracks or chips)

Also, practicing defensive driving by staying within speed limits, being aware, and taking a defensive driving course will reduce your chances of future tickets.

Points from minor infractions can stay on your record for 5 years and serious violations for 10 years. Contesting tickets, taking traffic school, and having a clean record are key to preventing long-term financial consequences on your driving record.

How Can You Remove Points from Your Driving Record?

If you have points on your driving record from traffic tickets, there are ways to reduce or remove them. One of the best ways to remove points from your drivers license is to take a defensive driving course or traffic school.

These programs teach you important driving lessons and safety tips and end with a final exam. Once you pass, you’ll get a certificate of completion, which you can mail, fax, or bring to the DMV to have points removed from your record.

Not all states offer this option; each has different point reduction and expungement rules.

Some states will reduce points if you complete a defensive driving course; others may have additional requirements or restrictions.

1. Defensive driving courses can only be used once to remove points for a specific ticket.
2. Points can be removed depending on the severity of the offense.
3. Some serious crimes like DUI or reckless driving won’t be eligible for point reduction through these courses.

To find out what to do, check with your local DMV to see your state’s rules for point removal. Taking a defensive driving course not only gets points off but also reinforces good driving habits and reduces the chance of future tickets.

How to Save on Car Insurance with Points on Your Record

Points on your record will get you higher car insurance rates, which can hurt your wallet.

Since driving without insurance is illegal, you must find ways to lower your rates while keeping yourself covered.

Multiple Ways to Reduce Car Insurance Rates with Points on Your Record are listed below.

1. Get Insurance Quotes – Shopping around is key to finding the cheapest rates. Since each insurance company calculates risk differently, getting multiple quotes will help you get cheap car insurance.
2. Request an Insurance Rescore – Similar to a credit score, your insurance score reflects your risk level. If it’s improved, you may qualify for lower rates. Call your insurer to see if a rescore can help you.
3. Take Advantage of Accident Forgiveness – Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, which prevents your first at-fault accident from increasing your rate. If you’re a high-risk driver, this add-on might be worth it.
4. Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course – Completing a state-approved defensive driving course will show your commitment to safe driving and may get you a discount on your insurance.
5. Earn Safe Driving Points – Some states, like Virginia, offer safe driving points that can counteract DMV points. Typically, you earn one safe point per year for accident-free driving.
6. Look for Discounts – Many insurance companies offer discounts, from small savings like going paperless to more significant discounts for bundling home and auto insurance. Check out these options and save big.
7. Increase Your Deductible – Raising your car insurance deductible lowers your monthly premium. Still, you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. This might be a good option if you drive safely and rarely file claims.

Need Affordable Car Insurance with Points on Your Record?

Insurance Navy can help you get affordable car insurance in minutes. Get a free quote online through our website or mobile app. Want to talk to a rep? Call 888-949-6289 or visit one of our many locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Driving Record Points the Same as Insurance Points?

Not always. Insurance companies have their own “insurance points,” different from DMV points. DMV points affect your license status, while insurance points affect your premium.

Does the Type of Traffic Violation Impact How Long the Points Stay?

Yes. Serious violations (DUI or reckless driving) result in more points that stay longer. Minor offenses (driving 1-2 miles per hour over the speed limit) result in fewer points that expire sooner.

Do Points Disappear After a Certain Amount of Time?

Most state’s points stop affecting your record after a certain period. Some states use a “rolling” system where each point drops off after its designated time.

Does Paying a Traffic Ticket Remove Points From My Record?

Usually, paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt or no contest, meaning points are added. Paying the fine alone does not remove or prevent points. But some states allow you to take traffic school instead of points if you qualify.

If I Move to Another State, Do My Points Follow Me?

Most states share information through compacts like the Driver License Compact. Serious violations will follow you. Your new state may apply its own point rules to the out-of-state violation.

What’s the Difference Between an Infraction and a Criminal Traffic Offense in Terms of Points?

An infraction is a minor offense (e.g., a small speeding violation) and may have fewer points. Criminal traffic offenses (e.g., DUI) have more points and stay on your record longer.

Will My Record Show Old Points Even if They No Longer Count Towards Suspension?

This depends on your state’s record-keeping. Some states keep a complete history of all points even if they no longer apply to suspension. In contrast, others only show active points within a specific time frame.