Driving record points: What they are, how they work, and how they affect car insurance

Driving record points, sometimes called demerit points, are part of a system most states use to track unsafe driving behavior. When you're cited for a moving violation, your state may assign points to your license based on the type and severity of the offense.

Accumulating too many points can lead to penalties such as warnings, fines, or a suspension of your license. Here are a few examples of how point systems differ from state to state:

• Point thresholds over time: In Wisconsin, accumulating 12 points in 12 months can lead to a license suspension. In California, it may take only four points in the same timeframe with similar consequences.

• Point values for violations: A minor speeding ticket might add one point to your license in Tennessee—but the same violation could cost you three points in Nevada.

• No point system: States like Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Oregon don’t use points. Instead, they track violations directly and may apply penalties based on your full record.

Your home state may still assign points for an out-of-state violation—even if the other state uses a different point system or none at all.

Each state that uses a point system sets its own values based on the type and severity of the offense. While exact point amounts vary, here’s a general look at how some common violations may be scored:

_{Note: Point values and penalties vary by state. This table shows typical ranges based on common state guidelines but doesn’t reflect every state's exact system. For the most accurate information, check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.}

Some states group multiple violations from one incident and only assign points for the most serious. However, all infractions may still appear on your driving record, even those that don’t carry points.

Not directly—but the violations that lead to points often do. In many states, driving record points are used to monitor violations such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence. While insurance companies don’t base rates on point totals assigned by the state, the violations associated with those points may influence how a policy is rated.

Here’s a general outline of how that process works:

1. A violation is reported to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

2. If applicable, points are added to your driving record based on state-specific rules.

3. Insurance companies may review your record when you apply for a policy or during renewal.

4. If recent violations appear, your policy may be adjusted or reclassified in accordance with the insurer’s rating guidelines.

If you're concerned about rate increases related to violations or points, safe driving habits—like following speed limits—can help reduce the risk of getting a violation.

While state point systems focus on tracking violations, insurers often take a broader view when reviewing your driving record. Their evaluations may include more than just points—factoring in the type of violation, how recent it was, and what shows up on your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).

Here’s how those details might be used when quoting or renewing a policy:

• MVR review: When you apply for or renew a policy, the insurer may pull your MVR to check for recent violations or license actions.

• Internal risk ratings: Each insurer uses its own system to determine how different violations affect your rate. Severity, timing, and type of violation can all play a role.

• Timeframe matters: Many violations remain part of your insurance review window for three to five years, depending on the insurer and state.

If you’ve had a violation, you might be wondering how long it sticks around. The answer depends on your state and the type of offense—but in general, points may stay on your record for three to five years.

What typically happens:

• Gradual expiration: In some states, points begin to phase out a certain number of months after each violation. For minor offenses, that process may start around 12 months and complete after about 36.

• Serious violations: Offenses like a DUI may remain on your record for 10 years or more, depending on state laws and how they're classified.

Check with your state’s DMV to confirm how long specific violations remain on your record.

There are ways to reduce points or prevent them from being added depending on where you live. While not every option is available everywhere, these are some common methods to explore:

• Defensive driving courses: Eligible drivers may be able to take a state-approved course to reduce points or prevent them from being added—depending on local rules.

• Ticket deferment programs: In some jurisdictions, you may be able to keep a violation off your record by meeting certain requirements, like avoiding additional tickets during a probation period.

• Contesting a ticket: If you believe a violation was issued in error, you may have the option to contest it in court and avoid having points added to your record.

• Disputing record errors: Check your official driving record for accuracy. If something looks wrong, you can contact your state’s DMV or Department of Transportation to request a correction.

• Expungement options: In limited cases—particularly for older or resolved violations—legal processes may allow for expungement. Rules vary by state, so it may help to speak with a traffic attorney.

Not every ticket will change your insurance situation. A small number of points—especially from minor violations—may have little or no impact, depending on your insurer’s rating system and your overall driving history.

But if you’ve received multiple violations, had a lapse in coverage, or now need an SR-22, you might be exploring new coverage options. That’s where nonstandard auto insurance can help.

Dairyland^®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, offers flexible auto insurance options for drivers with points, violations, or other challenges on their record. We understand your past doesn’t tell the whole story—and we’re here to help you stay insured and move forward with confidence.