Understanding the Oklahoma Points System
Understanding the point system for driving licenses in Oklahoma can be a bit perplexing, particularly for new drivers or those newly relocated to the state. However, keeping points off your record is essential for maintaining your driving privileges. This article aims to demystify the intricacies of the Oklahoma driver’s license point system.
Accumulating Points
Under the points system in Oklahoma, different traffic violations carry different point values.
Here are the various offenses and their point values:
- Reckless driving: 4 points
- Speeding 41 mph or more over the posted limit: 4 points
- Speeding 25 mph or more over the posted limit: 3 points
- Inattentive driving resulting in a collision: 3 points
- Improper passing (failure to slow or move over as required): 3 points
- Texting while operating a CMV: 2 points
- Using a hand-held mobile device while operating a CMV: 2 points
- Violation of license restriction: 2 points
- Careless driving: 2 points
- Speeding 1-25 mph over the posted limit: 2 points
- Following another vehicle too closely: 2 points
- Failure to obey a stop sign or traffic light: 2 points
- Failure to yield: 2 points
- Wrong way on a one-way street: 2 points
- Operating a defective vehicle: 1 point
- All other violations: 1 point
If a driver accumulates 10 points on their license over a five-year period, they face the risk of having their license suspended. It’s important to note that these points are cumulative, meaning they add up over time, and each traffic violation adds to the total. Additionally, if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle, offenses such refusing to submit to an alcohol test can result in immediate suspension of your CDL.
Earning Credit Points
Thankfully, the Oklahoma Administrative Code also includes provisions for drivers to earn “credit points” to offset the points accumulated from traffic violations. There are two primary ways to earn these credit points:
- Defensive Driving Course: As per Oklahoma Administrative Code 595:10-7-10, successfully completing an approved Driver Improvement/Defensive Driving Course can earn a driver two credit points. However, this can only be done once every 24 months, and only one full course will be acknowledged in that period.
- Clean Record: Another way to earn credit points is simply by maintaining a clean driving record. If a driver goes 12 consecutive months without being convicted of any pointable violation that appears in 595:10-7-2, they are credited with two points.
Reinstating Driving Privileges
In the unfortunate event that a driver has their license suspended due to accumulating 10 points, there are still provisions for reinstating their driving privileges. Upon reinstatement, the points level will be reduced to five points or less, as detailed in 595:10-7-10 of the regulations.
Reducing Points to Zero
In addition to the aforementioned provisions, Oklahoma Administrative Code 595:10-7-10 also allows for the complete reduction of points. If a driver is not convicted of any pointable traffic violation listed in 595:10-7-2 for three consecutive years, their point level will be reduced to zero. This shows the importance of maintaining a clean driving record over the long term.
However, it’s important to note that while points can be reduced, they cannot go below zero. This ensures that the points system remains balanced and fair, preventing drivers from accumulating “negative points” for future use.
Initial Consultation With an Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney
While the points system may seem complex, it is designed to incentivize good driving behavior and penalize unsafe habits. If you have any questions about the points system in Oklahoma, speak to an Oklahoma criminal defense attorney by calling the Wirth Law Office – Tahlequah at (918) 458-2677 or toll free at (888) 447-7262. Or, as always, you may enter a legal question in the form at the top right of this page. Whichever method you choose, a Tahlequah traffic ticket attorney or CDL license attorney will be in touch with you shortly.
