Losing your driver’s license in Michigan can severely disrupt daily life. From commuting to work and running errand to managing family responsibilities, driving is often essential. Restoring your license not only brings back convenience but also legal peace of mind. It helps avoid further legal complications and potential fines.
In a nutshell, there are 6 main reasons that a person could have their driver’s license suspended in the state of Michigan:
- DUI Convictions
- Accumulating Too Many Points on Driving Record
- Failure to Pay Child Support
- Unpaid Traffic Tickets/Traffic Violations
- Medical Conditions
- Failure to Appear in Court
In this post, we’ll be focusing specifically on driver’s license suspensions due to accumulating too many points on your driving record. That said, if you have questions about Michigan Driver’s License Restoration due to other reasons, you should check out our DUI & Drunk Driving and/or Traffic Offenses legal services where you can get connected to additional resources specific to your situation.
What is the Michigan Driver’s License Point System?
First established in 1974, the Michigan Driver’s Points System tracks driving offenses by assigning points to your record. Points vary based on the severity of the infraction, ranging from minor points for minor offenses to six points for serious violations. The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) maintains these records, using points as a measure of driving risk.
This system serves as both a warning and a corrective measure. It’s designed to encourage safe driving habits by holding drivers accountable for their actions. Accumulating too many points within a short period can lead to serious consequences, including license suspension.
How Does the Michigan Point System Work?
When you commit and are convicted of a traffic violation, points are added to your record. The more severe the offense, the higher the points. And the higher the points, the more severe the penalties will be.
Points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of conviction. However, keep in mind that tickets themselves can stay on your record for at least seven years. Importantly, alcohol or drug-related offenses remain on your record for life. However, even under these circumstances, there are still ways to have your record cleaned with a talented DUI Expungement Lawyer on your side!
How do I know how many points I have on my record?
You should have received a notice of how many points you received on your record included in the charge. However, since points stay on your record for 2 years after conviction, it’s not uncommon for people to forget or lose those records. There are 3 ways you can purchase (yes, there is unfortunately a fee no matter how you do it) your driving record from the Michigan State Department.
Here’s what they are and what to do:
- Obtaining Driving Record Online (fastest method)
- Follow this link to the Michigan Department of State’s online services platform
- Create an account through MiLogin and authenticate your information on our website.
- Your record will only be visible for 7 days.
- Pay with a credit or debit card (additional fees apply) or e-check/bank account number.
- Fee: $16
- Obtaining Driving Record via Mail
- Complete a record request form. You can find the official form here.
- Mail the form and payment (check or money order) to the Record Sales Unit. Here’s their address:
- Michigan Department of State
- Record Sales Unit
- 7064 Crowner Drive
- Lansing Michigan, 48918
- Fee: $15 (or 16 for a certified copy)
- Obtaining Driving Record In-Person
- Schedule an appointment at the Michigan State Department via this link.
- Bring your license or ID.
- Bring payment by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card (additional fees apply).
- Fee: $16
Points Penalties and Infractions Explained
Different driving infractions in Michigan carry different point values. For instance, minor violations like speeding 1-10 mph over the limit add two points to your record. More serious offenses, such as reckless driving or operating while intoxicated, add six points.
Common infractions and their assigned points:
Two-Point Traffic Violations
- Driving 10 mph or less above the legal speed limit
- Having an open alcohol container in the vehicle
- Driving with a suspended license
- All other moving violations that are not specific to a greater number of points
- Refusing to take a preliminary breath test if you are under 21 years old
Three-Point Traffic Violations
- Careless driving
- Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign
- Improper passing
- Driving 11 to 15 mph over the legal speed limit
- Failure to stop at a railroad crossing
- Failure to stop for a school bus or disobeying a school crossing guard
Four-Point Traffic Violations
- Operating a vehicle while visibly impaired
- Driving under the age of 21 years with any bodily alcohol content
- Driving 16 mph or more over the legal speed limit
- Failure to yield for emergency vehicles
- Drag racing
Six-Point Traffic Violations
- Refusing to take a chemical test
- Unlawful BAC of .08 or more
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
- Fleeing or eluding the police
- Failing to stop and give identification at the accident scene
- Moving violation causing severe injury or death
- Vehicular manslaughter, negligent homicide or another felony involving the use of a car
This list isn’t exhaustive, but it highlights typical infractions that lead to point accumulation. For a comprehensive list of infractions and their points, consult the Michigan SOS website or schedule a free legal consultation with attorney Mark Caldwell, who can walk your through the specificities of your situation.
The Impact of Accumulating Too Many Points
Accumulating points on your driving record isn’t just a number; it’s a risk indicator. In Michigan, if you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year span, you’re subject to a reexamination by the SOS. This process might include written and driving tests, and possibly a vision exam.
A reexamination can result in probation, suspension, or even revocation of your driver’s license. Probation may impose driving restrictions, while suspension means temporarily losing driving privileges. Revocation is more severe, requiring a lengthy process to regain your license.
Exceeding the point threshold affects more than just your ability to drive. It impacts insurance rates, potentially increasing premiums for years.
First Steps to Take If Your License Is Suspended
If you’ve already lost your license due to excessive points, don’t panic—there’s a path to getting it back. First, determine the length and terms of your suspension by reviewing the notice from the SOS. This document outlines specific steps required for reinstatement.
Next, attend any mandatory hearings or reexaminations. Prepare thoroughly, demonstrating understanding and commitment to responsible driving. Consider enrolling in a driver improvement course; it can reduce points and signal to authorities your intent to improve.
Most importantly, consult with an experienced lawyer who specializes in DUI and drunk driving related legal defense. Professional legal guidance helps clarify procedural details, reducing stress and confusion. It provides personalized advice based on your unique situation, enhancing your likelihood of successful reinstatement. Additionally, a legal expert can represent you in hearings, advocating on your behalf.
As evidenced by his 5 star client reviews, Mark Caldwell doesn’t just act as your criminal defense attorney, he is also a guide, a counselor, and a judgment-free confidant fighting on your side.
During your free legal consultation, he’ll work with you to create a structured plan to get your driver’s license reinstated based on the best practices he’s developed in his winning track record of helping hundreds of Michigan drivers get back on the road and regain their rights.
