How many points does it take to suspend your license in California?

A conviction adds 1 or 2 points, and 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months or 8 in 36 months can lead to probation with a 6-month suspension.

Updated November 13, 2026

How long do points stay on your license in California?

Traffic convictions and collisions stay on the record for 36 months or longer, depending on the type of conviction.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record in California?

Most traffic convictions stay on the driver record for 3 years from the violation date. Serious violations stay longer.

How long does a DUI stay on your record in California?

A DUI conviction stays on the public driver record for 10 years for noncommercial drivers.

Does a driving course take points off in California?

A judge can offer traffic violator school for a one-point violation once every 18 months; the ticket stays hidden from insurers but remains on the driving record.

How to check your points in California

Your California driving record lists each conviction and the points it carries. See the California driving record page.

How California compares with nearby states

State	Uses points	The rule
Arizona	Yes	Each conviction adds points, and 8 or more points in 12 months requires traffic survival school or brings a suspension of up to 12 months.
Nevada	Yes	The DMV assigns demerit points for each moving violation conviction by severity, and 12 points within 12 months brings an automatic 6-month license suspension.
Oregon	No	Oregon does not put points on a driving record. Its Driver Improvement Program restricts or suspends a license based on how many convictions and crashes a driver has in a set period.

Rules checked November 13, 2026. California DMV sets them and can change them. Your own record shows what applies to you. Sources: dmv.ca.gov.

See your own California record

Your record shows exactly what is on file for you.

California driving record

How many points does it take to suspend your license?
Each state sets its own limit, such as 12 points in 12 months in Florida. See how many points suspend a license in your state.
How long do points stay on your license?
In most states that use points, they count against you for one to three years. See how long points stay on your license in your state.
How to get points off your license
Points come off with time, and in many states with an approved driving course. What works in each state, and what a course does not remove.
Check license points
Your driving record shows the points on your license and the tickets they came from. How to check your license points in any state.