How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in Ohio?

As a driver in Ohio, you are more than likely aware of the point system that Ohio uses to indicate the severity of different traffic violations. This system assigns a point value to each kind of traffic conviction.

For drivers, this can bring up several questions. Perhaps one of the biggest questions is how long do points stay on your license in Ohio. With over 8 million licensed drivers in Ohio as of 2019, knowing how long points stay on your license can be helpful if you receive a traffic ticket.

Below, we look at how long points stay on your license and some related questions.

If you are facing a traffic violation in or around Columbus Ohio, reach out to The Maher Law Firm, LLC today to speak with a Columbus traffic defense attorney.  They will be able to discuss the potential penalties involved, including the point value should a conviction result.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in Ohio?

Each set of points that are issued to a driver will stay on a driver’s license for a period of 2 years. Each incident will result in points ranging from 0-to 6 if convicted.  If you receive points from 2 different incidents, each set of points will be on your license for 2 years from the time of conviction.  Accumulating 12 or more points in any 2-year period will result in a suspension as well as having to re-test to get your license back to valid once the suspension period expires.  You may be able to take a remedial driving course through the Ohio BMV in order to allow for an additional two points prior to suspension.

What Point Value is Applied to Different Traffic Violations?

Different traffic convictions have a certain number of points attached to them. For example, one 4 point violation in Ohio is the operation in a manner that shows disregard for the safety of other people or property also referred to as reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

A 6 point violation is tied to the following:

• Fleeing or eluding a police officer
• The failure to stop after being involved in a car accident
• Driving or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

For a full list of traffic violations and their point values, see our post here.

How Many Points Do I Need Before I Get a Warning?

Ohio’s point system primarily operates on a 12 point basis. According to Ohio’s BMV site, once a driver “receives 12 or more points on their driving record within a 2 year period”, they will face a driver’s license suspension.

Before drivers hit the 12 points or above the mark, they can expect to receive a warning letter from the Ohio BMV when they accumulate 6 points on their record within 2 years.

In 2019, the Ohio BMV issued 92,726 warning letters.

The warning letter will list the different traffic convictions for the driver and the associated number of points for each.

How Can I Get Points Off My License in Ohio?

The Ohio BMV point system can leave drivers wondering how they can get points off their license. Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to remove points from your driving record.

You can request that the court reopens an already resolved case.  Whether or not this is possible depends on the individual court and the prosecutor.  As previously mentioned, the BMV will allow for a 2 point extension on your driver’s license if you successfully complete a state-sanctioned remedial driving course. This will allow for up to 14 points before your license is suspended.

If you are looking to appeal a 12 point license suspension or the number of points added to your license, working with a Columbus traffic defense attorney should be your next step.

It is extremely important to contest each and every traffic violation in an attempt to avoid points being added to your record.  The more points you accumulate, the harder it is to avoid points moving forward (your prior record will be held against you).

Speak With a Traffic Defense Attorney

With strict Ohio laws tied to serious traffic violations like OVI/DUI, you might find yourself dealing with a situation where points stack up quickly.

Colin Maher of The Maher Law Firm, LLC is a Columbus Ohio traffic violation attorney who has over 10 years of experience handling traffic and criminal cases. To get a free quote in relation to your case, reach out to him now at 614-205-2208 or contact him online today.