Most states penalize drivers who violate traffic and criminal laws while operating a motor vehicle by restricting, suspending, or revoking the driver’s license. For example, a state may suspend a driver’s license upon refusal to submit to a blood or breath test when suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when a driver is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

And most states have a traffic ticket points system that assigns points to traffic offenses—with more serious offenses receiving more points. The points a driver accumulates become a part of the driver’s record with the state and a specified number of points will lead to greater driver’s license penalties—including suspension of the driver’s license—as well as higher insurance premiums charged by insurance companies.

The use and structure of traffic ticket point systems vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Indiana, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) administers a point system to monitor and penalize traffic violations. When a driver commits a traffic offense, points are assessed to their driving record. The severity of the violation determines the number of points. For instance, speeding might incur a lower point penalty compared to more serious offenses like reckless driving. Accumulating too many points can lead to consequences such as mandatory driver safety courses, probation, or even the suspension of the driver's license. Specifically, if a driver accumulates 20 or more points within a two-year period, they may face a suspension. Additionally, Indiana law mandates the suspension of a driver's license for certain offenses, such as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). Refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test when suspected of OWI can also result in license suspension under Indiana's implied consent law. These suspensions can vary in length depending on the offense and the driver's history. Insurance premiums may also increase as a result of traffic violations and points on a driver's record.