Ohio Driver’s License Point System

Driving is a privilege that comes with responsibility, and in Ohio, that privilege is closely monitored through a point system to promote safer roads. Whether you’ve received a speeding ticket, run a red light, or been involved in a more serious traffic offense, your actions behind the wheel can lead to points on your driver’s license. 

Understanding the Ohio license point system can help you protect your driving record, avoid suspension, and learn what to do if you’ve already accumulated points. In this guide, we’ll cover how points work, when they fall off, and how to get points removed from your license in Ohio—plus what to do if your license is at risk of suspension.

What Is the Ohio License Point System?

The state of Ohio’s point system for licenses is managed by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Each traffic violation is assigned a certain number of points, depending on the severity of the offense. These points are added to your driving record and remain there for a specific amount of time.

The purpose of this system is to identify high-risk drivers and encourage better driving behavior. Accumulating too many points can lead to penalties, including license suspension, higher insurance rates, and even mandatory remedial driving courses.

How Many Points Does it Take to Suspend a License in Ohio?

One of the most important questions drivers ask is, “How many points are required to suspend a license in Ohio?” The short answer is 12 points within a two-year period. 

If you reach 12 points or more on your driving record within 24 months, the Ohio BMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license for six months. You’ll also receive a letter notifying you of the suspension and outlining the next steps to take. 

To get your license reinstated, you’ll typically need to: 

• Complete a remedial driving course approved by the BMV
• File proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance)
• Pay reinstatement fees
• Retake the driving exam, depending on the circumstances

After completing these requirements, your license can be reinstated, but the points that led to the suspension will remain on your record until they expire. 

How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in Ohio?

If you’re wondering when points fall off your license in Ohio, the general rule is two years from the date of the offense. 

For example, if you receive a speeding ticket on July 1, 2025, the points for that violation would remain on your record until July 1, 2027. After that, they automatically expire—though the violation itself may remain visible on your driving history. 

This two-year period is critical because the Ohio BMV looks at a rolling 24-month window when determining whether you’ve accumulated 12 or more points. 

7 Common Traffic Violations and Their Point Values

The Ohio BMV assigns point values based on the severity of the offense. Here’s a breakdown of common violations and their corresponding points on your license in Ohio:

1. Speeding: Between 2 and 3 points, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving.
2. Failure to yield, running a red light, or improper passing: 2 points.
3. Driving under suspension or without a valid license: 6 points.
4. Reckless operation: 4 points.
5. Operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI): 6 points.
6. Hit and run or fleeing the scene: 6 points.
7. Street racing: 6 points.

Even seemingly minor infractions can add up quickly. Two speeding tickets and a reckless driving charge within two years could put you close to suspension territory. 

How to Check Points on a License in Ohio

If you’re unsure how many points are currently on your record, you can easily find out. Checking points on your Ohio license is straightforward. 

You can visit the Ohio BMV’s website to request a Driver Abstract or unofficial driving record online. This report shows your total points, traffic violations, and any license suspensions or reinstatements. Alternatively, you can request your record in person at your local BMV office or by mail. Maintaining an up-to-date record enables you to track your points and avoid unexpected consequences that could impact your insurance or driving privileges.

How to Get Points Off Your License in Ohio

If you’ve accumulated points, the good news is that there are ways to reduce or offset them. Understanding how to remove points from your license in Ohio can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean record and keeping your insurance rates low. 

The Ohio license points removal process primarily involves completing a remedial driving course. Here’s how it works:

→ You can enroll in a BMV-approved defensive driving course once every three years (and no more than five times in your lifetime). Upon successful completion, you can have two points credited back to your record, reducing your total. 

For example, if you have 10 points on your record, completing a remedial course can drop your total to 8, helping you avoid suspension. 

In addition to completing a course, the best way to prevent future points is simply to drive carefully, follow Ohio’s traffic laws, and stay alert behind the wheel. 

What Happens If You’re a New Driver or CDL Holder?

If you’re a new driver, the consequences of accumulating points can be even more serious. Ohio’s graduated driver licensing system closely monitors young or inexperienced drivers. Too many points can result in temporary license restrictions or suspension much sooner than for adult drivers. 

For commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, violations carry greater weight. Points from traffic offenses, especially those involving commercial vehicles, can lead to CDL suspension, job loss, and additional deferral penalties. Maintaining a clean driving record is essential in these cases. 

Why Points Matter Beyond Your License

Points on your driving record don’t just threaten your license—they can also have lasting financial and legal consequences. Insurance companies regularly review your driving record, and accumulating points leads to higher premiums. 

Additionally, if your license is suspended, you may be required to carry SR-22 insurance, which further increases costs. Employers that require driving as part of the job might also view a high points total as a liability. In short, the fewer points on your record, the better—for your wallet, your job, and your peace of mind. 

Staying Proactive: Keeping a Clean Record

Preventing points in the first place is always the best strategy. That means obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence. Small habits—like planning extra time for commutes or checking your mirrors regularly—can prevent costly mistakes. 

If you’ve already accumulated points, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course sooner rather than later. It’s an affordable way to demonstrate responsibility and potentially reduce your total points. 

Get Help Protecting Your License—Contact Jay Perez Law

If your license is at risk due to too many points or serious traffic offenses, you don’t have to face it alone. The team at Jay Perez Law helps drivers navigate the Ohio license point system, handle traffic court appearances, and fight citations. 

Whether you’re looking to understand how to get points off your license in Ohio, appeal a suspension, or explore options for Ohio license point removal, it’s time to consult with our traffic lawyers. Don’t wait until your license is suspended—take action now to protect your driving privileges. Contact Jay Perez Law today for a free consultation and get the experienced legal help you need to stay on the road.