How a License Suspension Works in Detroit
When the Michigan Secretary of State suspends your license, you cannot legally drive in Michigan or any other state. A suspension is temporary — it has an end date — but you cannot get behind the wheel until that date passes and you take the steps to restore it. In Detroit, suspensions happen most often for unpaid traffic fines, missed court dates, accumulating too many points, or driving with a suspended license.
The Secretary of State's office sends you a notice by mail telling you the reason, the suspension start date, and the date it will be lifted. That notice is the official record. You do not have to go anywhere to "set up" the suspension — it takes effect on the date listed, whether you read the letter or not.
Driving during a suspension is a separate crime in Michigan. If you are pulled over, you face fines, possible jail time, and an extension of your suspension. Your car can also be impounded. This is why knowing your suspension status before you drive is critical.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license in Michigan means you cannot legally drive anywhere until the suspension end date passes and you complete restoration steps.
- The Secretary of State mails you a notice with the reason, start date, and end date of your suspension — check your mail or call 517-322-1460 to confirm your status.
- Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, vehicle impound, and an extended suspension.
- You must pay any outstanding fines, resolve the underlying reason (such as a missed court date), and submit a restoration fee to the Secretary of State before you can drive again.
- Insurance companies will charge you significantly more or deny coverage entirely if you drive during a suspension, and you will have no legal protection in an accident.
Common Reasons for Suspension in Detroit
In Detroit and across Michigan, the Secretary of State suspends licenses for specific violations. The most common is failing to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered restitution. If you received a ticket and did not pay it by the due date, or if you missed a court appearance, a suspension notice will follow.
Accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record within two years also triggers a suspension. Points come from traffic violations — speeding, reckless driving, at-fault accidents, and other infractions. A single serious violation like a DUI or reckless driving can result in when ready suspension without waiting for points to add up.
Failing a drug or alcohol test, driving with a suspended license, or being convicted of certain crimes also leads to suspension. If you have already been suspended and drive anyway, the Secretary of State will extend your suspension period.
How to Check Your Suspension Status
You can find out whether your license is currently suspended by calling the Michigan Secretary of State at 517-322-1460. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the reason for the suspension, the date it started, and the date it will end if you take no action.
You can also check online through the Secretary of State's website, though the phone line is faster if you need an answer the same day. If you have received a notice in the mail, that letter contains the same information and is your official record.
Do not assume your suspension has ended just because time has passed. You must complete the restoration process, which usually involves paying a fee and resolving the underlying reason (such as paying a fine or attending a hearing). The suspension does not automatically lift.
Steps to Restore Your License After Suspension
Restoration begins with addressing the reason for your suspension. If it was unpaid fines, you must pay them in full. Contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount owed and where to send payment. If the suspension was for a missed court date, you must appear in court or contact the court to reschedule.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you must submit a restoration fee to the Michigan Secretary of State. As of 2024, this fee is $125 for most suspensions, though it varies depending on the reason. You can pay by mail, in person at a Secretary of State office, or online through their website.
After you pay the fee and the suspension end date has passed, your license is restored. You do not need to retake a test or visit an office unless the Secretary of State requires it for your specific case. However, you should verify restoration before you drive — call 517-322-1460 again to confirm your status.
Insurance and Driving During a Suspension
If you drive during a suspension, your auto insurance will not cover you. Most policies include a clause that voids coverage if you are driving illegally. This means if you cause an accident while suspended, you are personally liable for all damages — medical bills, vehicle repairs, property damage — with no insurance to pay for it. The other driver can sue you directly.
Even if you are not at fault in an accident, your own insurance will not cover your vehicle damage if you were driving suspended. You will have to pay out of pocket for repairs.
After your suspension ends and your license is restored, you should contact your insurance company to confirm your policy is still active. Some insurers drop drivers after a suspension, and you may need to find a new company. High-risk insurers in Michigan will cover you, but they charge significantly more than standard rates.
What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license in Michigan is a misdemeanor crime. A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail. A second offense within seven years increases to a fine of $200 to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. A third or subsequent offense is a felony with fines up to $2,500 and up to two years in prison.
Beyond criminal penalties, the Secretary of State will extend your suspension. If you were suspended for six months and you drive during that time, your suspension may be extended to one year or longer. You will also face a new restoration fee when the extended suspension ends.
Your vehicle can be impounded if you are caught driving suspended. Impound fees in Detroit range from $200 to $400, plus daily storage charges. Retrieving your car requires proof that you have a valid license or that someone else with a valid license will drive it home.
Alternatives to Driving While Suspended
While your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. However, you have options for getting around Detroit. Public transportation through DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) and SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) covers most of the metro area. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available throughout the city. Taxis and car services are also an option, though more expensive.
If you need to drive for work, you may be able to request a restricted license from the Secretary of State. A restricted license allows you to drive only to work, school, medical appointments, or court. You must file a petition with the Secretary of State and show that the suspension causes undue hardship. Approval is not may provide, and you must pay an additional fee.
Some employers offer flexible schedules or remote work during a suspension. It is worth asking your manager whether temporary changes are possible while you work toward restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restricted license to drive to work during my suspension?
You can petition the Secretary of State for a restricted license, but approval depends on showing that the suspension causes genuine hardship. You must file the petition, pay a fee, and attend a hearing. The Secretary of State will decide whether work, school, or medical needs justify limited driving. This is not automatic and can take several weeks.
What if I did not receive the suspension notice in the mail?
The Secretary of State mails notices to the address on your driver's license. If you moved and did not update your address, the notice went to your old home. You are still responsible for knowing your suspension status. Call 517-322-1460 to check, or visit a Secretary of State office in person. Not receiving the letter does not stop the suspension from taking effect.
How long does it take to restore my license after I pay the fee?
Restoration is usually when ready once you pay the fee and the suspension end date has passed. However, if you paid by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. Call the Secretary of State to confirm your status before you drive. If there are other issues (such as an unpaid fine you missed), restoration will be delayed until those are resolved.
Will my insurance rates go up after my suspension ends?
Yes. A suspension stays on your driving record for years, and insurers use it to calculate your rate. You will likely pay more than you did before the suspension. Some standard insurers may drop you entirely, forcing you to use a high-risk insurer. Shop around after restoration — rates vary widely between companies.
Can I drive someone else's car if my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you cannot legally operate any vehicle, regardless of who owns it. Driving someone else's car while suspended is still a crime and carries the same penalties as driving your own vehicle. The car's owner can also face liability if they knowingly let you drive.