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 Montana (MT), the state enforces laws that penalize drivers for traffic and criminal violations by imposing restrictions, suspensions, or revocations of their driver's licenses. For instance, Montana law mandates an automatic suspension of a driver's license if the driver refuses to submit to a blood or breath test under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, a driver's license can be suspended or revoked following a DUI conviction. Montana also utilizes a traffic ticket points system, where points are assigned for various traffic violations. More serious offenses result in a higher number of points. Accumulating a certain number of points on a driving record within a specified time frame can lead to penalties such as license suspension. These points can also affect insurance premiums, as insurers may consider a driver with a higher point total to be a higher risk. The specifics of the points system and the consequences of accumulating points are detailed in Montana's state statutes.