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 Missouri, the Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of driver's license regulations, including the suspension and revocation of licenses. Missouri law mandates that a driver's license be suspended or revoked for certain offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. For instance, a driver who refuses to submit to a blood alcohol content (BAC) test when suspected of DUI can face license suspension. Additionally, a conviction for DUI will typically result in license suspension or revocation, depending on the severity of the offense and the driver's prior record. Missouri also operates a points system, where traffic violations are assigned points, and accumulating too many points within a certain period can lead to license suspension. For example, if a driver accumulates 8 or more points in 18 months, the state may suspend their license. The points system is designed to identify and penalize high-risk drivers, and the accumulation of points can also affect a driver's insurance premiums. The specifics of the points system and the consequences of accumulating points are detailed in Missouri's state statutes.