In Oklahoma, a traffic conviction may remain visible on your driving history for years. Points from certain violations are generally assessed for convictions during the previous five years, and the consequences can be even more complex when dealing with traffic offenses tied to juvenile defense cases.
Oklahoma’s Point System
Oklahoma uses a mandatory point system for many moving violations. Different violations carry different point values. More serious violations generally result in more points.
Traffic violations can result in the following:
- Reckless driving – 4 points
- Failure to stop for a school bus loading or unloading – 4 points
- Speeding more than 25 mph over the speed limit – 3 points
- Violation of a driver’s license restriction – 2 points
- Careless driving – 2 points
- Speeding – 2 points
- Following too closely or improperly – 2 points
- Failure to obey a stop sign or traffic light – 2 points
- Failure to yield right of way – 2 points
- Driving left of center or the wrong way on a one-way street – 2 points
- Operating a defective vehicle – 1 point
- Other pointable traffic violations – 1 point
Oklahoma Service Oklahoma/DPS guidance explains that your license can be suspended if your point total reaches 10 or more points within a five-year period. That is why even a minor ticket should not be ignored. Paying the ticket is usually treated like a conviction. Once that happens, points may be added to your driving record.
How Long Do Points Stay Active?
Oklahoma looks at convictions within the previous five years. That means an older violation may still matter for a period of time, especially if you have multiple tickets close together.
However, drivers may also be able to reduce points over time by maintaining a clean record. A long period without new violations may reduce your active point total. In some situations, completing an approved driver improvement course may also help reduce points or limit consequences.
Insurance Companies May Treat Records Differently
The state point system is distinct from the insurance company’s rating system. Even if a violation no longer warrants active points, an insurer may still consider your driving history when setting premiums. Some insurers look back three years. Others may consider longer periods, especially for serious violations.
Violations involving DUI, reckless driving, and car accidents may have more lasting consequences than a simple traffic ticket.
Can Traffic Violations Be Removed From Your Record?
Some traffic matters may be resolved without long-term impacts on your record. Depending on the facts, your options may include:
- Contesting the ticket
- Negotiating for a reduced offense
- Requesting a deferred disposition
- Completing driver improvement requirements
- Seeking dismissal if the state cannot prove the violation
- Avoiding a conviction where possible
Not every ticket can be dismissed or reduced. However, fighting the citation may be necessary when significant points or license suspension are at stake.
Should I Fight My Traffic Ticket to Prevent It from Going on My Record?
A single traffic ticket may not seem like a major legal problem. But multiple violations can add up. Once your point total approaches the suspension range, each new ticket becomes more serious.
You should be especially careful if:
- You already have points on your license
- You were cited for a serious moving violation
- You were involved in an accident
- You drive for work
- You have a CDL
- Your insurance rates are already high
- You are facing possible license suspension
In these situations, the cheapest option is not always paying the fine. Paying the penalty may create a conviction that costs more in insurance premiums and other consequences.
If you received a traffic ticket in Oklahoma, an attorney can review the citation and help you decide whether to fight the ticket. Reach out to Josh Lee & Associates to schedule a confidential consultation.
