Oklahoma’s Traffic Violation Point System

An Oklahoma traffic conviction normally leads to fines and fees. But most violations will also result in points being assessed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS uses these points to identify problematic drivers and will take action when a driver accumulates too many points.

How Does Oklahoma's Traffic Ticket Point System Work?

For most traffic tickets, Oklahoma DPS will assess points to the offending driver's record. The number of points generally depends on the seriousness of the violation (see chart below).

Drivers who rack up too many points face consequences such as having to complete classes and license suspension. However, points eventually expire and drivers have options for reducing the points on their records (explained below).

License Suspension and Consequences of Traffic Violation Points in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma DPS reviews a driver's history after receiving a notice of a traffic-related conviction and may take action depending on the number of points the driver has accumulated.

Five or Six Points Will Get a Warning Letter in Oklahoma

A driver with five or six points will typically receive a warning letter indicating the possible penalties associated with future traffic violations.

Seven Points Will Result in Classes or Testing in Oklahoma

After accumulating at least seven points, the DPS will send a "notice to appear" (for a hearing) to the driver. At the hearing, the DPS can order the driver to complete a driver improvement or defensive driving course. Alternatively, the DPS can require the driver to retake the driving test or submit to a physical or mental evaluation to determine if he or she is capable of safe driving.

Ten Points Will Lead to License Suspension in Oklahoma

Drivers with ten or more points will receive a notice of suspension, which will be effective 30 days after the date of mailing. The length of suspension depends on the number of prior license suspensions the driver has in the last five years.

• No prior suspensions. Suspended one month
• One prior suspension. Suspended three months
• Two prior suspensions. Suspended six months (cannot be modified)
• Three prior suspensions. Suspended 12 months (cannot be modified)

However, suspended drivers might be able to get a restricted license to use during a point-related suspension (see below).

Oklahoma Drivers Can Reduce Points with Traffic School

Completion of a driver improvement course or defensive driving course will reduce the driver's point total by two points (Drivers can take a course for point reduction only once every 24 months).

How Long Do Points Stay on Your Oklahoma Driver's License?

Going 12 months without any traffic convictions will reduce the driver's point total by two points. Going three years without any traffic convictions will reduce the driver's point total to zero.

Points assessed for a specific conviction will expire five years after the conviction.

License Reinstatement Reduces Points in Oklahoma

Upon reinstatement after a suspension, the driver's license point total will be reduced to five or fewer points.

You Can Appeal a Point-Related Suspension in Oklahoma

A driver facing suspension has the right to appear at an administrative hearing and contest the validity of the suspension.

Getting a Hardship License in Oklahoma Following a Point Suspension

At an administrative hearing, the driver can also request an "occupational modification." The driver must show extreme and unusual hardship and that no other means of transportation exist. If granted, the license can be used to operate a motor vehicle with certain restrictions. These restrictions might include limited hours of use, locations, and purposes (for example, medical examinations). An occupational modification is only once every five years.

Point Values for Traffic Violations in Oklahoma

Here are the points assigned for some of the more common traffic offenses.

Violation	Points Assessed
Reckless driving	4
Speeding 41 or more miles per hour over limit	4
Speeding 26 to 40 miles per hour over limit	3
At-fault accident	3
Improper passing	3
Speeding 11 to 25 miles per hour over limit	2
Speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over limit (commercial drivers)	2
Cellphone use by bus or commercial driver	2
Wrong direction	2
Failure to stop at light or sign	2
Failure to yield to right-of-way	2
Following too closely	2
Careless driving	2
Racing	2
Railroad crossing violation	2
License restriction violation	2
Failure to turn on or dim lights	1
Defective lights, brakes, muffler, or other equipment	1
No license	1
Unsafe lane change	1
Improper passing	1
Failure to signal	1
Improper turn	1
Spinning wheels	1
Unsafe speed	1
Coasting	1
Disobey police officer	1
Disobey traffic sign	1