Points System

One of the most common questions we get at our office is how many points a particular driving offense is. Here is a list from the State of Michigan’s website:

Points For Some Traffic Convictions

Six Points:

• Manslaughter, negligent homicide, or other felony involving use of a motor vehicle.
• Operating under the influence of liquor or drugs.
• Failing to stop and give identification at the scene of a crash.
• Reckless driving.
• Unlawful bodily alcohol content of 0.08 or more.
• Refusal to take a chemical test.
• Fleeing or eluding a police officer.

Four Points:

• Drag racing.
• Operating while visibly impaired.
• Under age 21 with any bodily alcohol content.
• 16 mph or more over the legal speed limit.
• Failure to yield/show due caution for emergency vehicles.

Three Points:

• Careless driving.
• Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign or improper passing.
• 11 through 15 mph over the legal speed limit.
• Failure to stop at railroad crossing.
• Failure to stop for a school bus or for disobeying a school crossing guard.

Two Points:

• 10 mph or less over the legal speed limit.
• Open alcohol container in vehicle.
• All other moving violations of traffic laws.
• Refusal of Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) by anyone under age 21.

Points matter because once you have a certain number you will be struck with huge driver’s responsibility fees. If you get over 12 in a two year period you will additionally face a term of suspended license.

The good news is that each time you get a ticket you have an opportunity to fight the charge. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to get a ticket reduced to one with fewer points, or even no points. Thus, we can be sure you never get to the level where you get driver’s responsibility fees or lose your license, saving you money over time.

We can work with the prosecutor or city attorney assigned to your case to get these charges reduced, modified, or even dismissed. To retain one of our Attorneys call us at (877) 406-6906 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message.