JASON'S TOP Five Things Every Driver Should Know about Michigan's Point System

As Seen in Thunder Road Magazine

 

 

We’re in the home stretch, folks… just about two weeks left until the clocks “spring forward” and we really notice the days getting longer again.  It’s still a little early to be talking about getting our motorcycles ready for the season, so I thought I’d go over five key points in Michigan’s driver’s license Point System.

 

#1 If you get assigned points for a traffic violation, those points stay on your record for two years… period. There is a law in place that prevents the Secretary of State from removing points early or “setting aside” points after a conviction. Many attorneys argue that this is why it’s so important to fight every ticket you get, as opposed to waiting until you’re close to twelve points; if you lose your case, you could get pushed over the 12-point line, which could result in your license being restricted, suspended, or revoked.

 

#2 There is a “process of escalation” when it comes to Points. The Secretary of State will contact you by mail to advise you that you have more points than the average driver once you get four points over a two-year period. When you get to eight points, the Secretary of State will contact you again to warn you that your license could be suspended if you continue to break the law. Finally, if you get to the twelve-point mark, you will be ordered to meet with someone from the Secretary of State to review your driving record and take several driving related tests, which could include a written exam, road test, vision test, or others.

 

#3 Different types of offenses* are assigned different point values upon conviction. The most serious violations, including vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving, have a six-point value. Driving while “visibly” impaired, drag racing, or failing to yield to an emergency vehicle can get you four points. If you’re convicted of careless driving, or disobeying a signal or stop sign, you could get three points. Finally, two-point violations include speeding up to 10 mph over the limit, or driving with an open container (of alcohol).

 

#4 Accumulating Points doesn’t just affect your driver’s license, it could also affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies may use your points against you and raise your rates or cancel your policy.

 

#5 If you get an alcohol conviction on your snowmobile or off-road vehicle, the points associated with your conviction will end up on your driver’s license. That means even if you weren’t driving your vehicle or motorcycle, you could still have your license restricted, suspended, or revoked if you accumulate enough points during your recreational activities.

 

Obviously, every case is different and with all the nuances within the law, I can’t cover every aspect of the points system in a single article. You can contact your Secretary of State office or visit their website for more information. As always, I invite readers to share their stories or ask their questions in any of the following ways: Send an email to writer@lawyerforlife.com; Join the conversation on Facebook (facebook.com/TheMotorcycleLawyer); Tweet at us (Twitter.com/CycleLawyer1) or visit our website at www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com.

 

COMING SOON: May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and my team and I are looking for stories and photos from your “best ride ever”. Recommend your favorite routes, best hole-in-the-wall spots to stop, and share photos with us. We want to know what makes YOUR favorite ride the BEST ride. Contact us any of the ways listed above to share your story.

 

*This list DOES NOT include all types of driving violations. For the most up-to-date, comprehensive information about driving violations and the Points System, please contact the Secretary of State’s office.