Driving on a suspended license in Michigan is a criminal offense with when ready consequences
If you drive in Michigan while your license is suspended, you can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. The moment a police officer runs your plate or license and sees the suspension status, you face a traffic stop that can result in handcuffs, a tow of your vehicle, and criminal charges — not just a ticket. The charge itself carries jail time, fines, and a longer suspension period added on top of the original one.
Michigan distinguishes between a suspended license (temporary removal, usually for a specific reason like unpaid fines or a failed breath test) and a revoked license (permanent removal until you meet strict conditions). Driving on either one is illegal, but the penalties and the path to getting your license back differ significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Driving on a suspended license in Michigan is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and fines of $100 to $500 for a first offense.
- Your vehicle can be impounded when ready, and you will be responsible for towing and storage fees that accumulate daily.
- A conviction adds points to your driving record and extends your suspension period, sometimes by months or years.
- You may be able to request a restricted license (also called a work permit) that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments during your suspension.
- The Secretary of State's office is the only body that can lift a suspension or issue a restricted license in Michigan.
Criminal penalties for driving suspended in Michigan
A first offense of driving with a suspended license in Michigan carries a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a fine between $100 and $500. If you are convicted, the court will also add points to your driving record, which affects your insurance rates and can trigger additional suspensions if you accumulate too many points in a short time.
A second offense within seven years increases the maximum jail time to one year and the fine to up to $1,000. A third or subsequent offense is treated as a felony in some circumstances, particularly if your license was suspended for a serious reason like a DUI conviction or refusing a breath test.
The charge itself — MCL 257.904, the statute that covers this offense — does not require the prosecutor to prove you knew your license was suspended. Ignorance is not a legal defense. If your license was suspended and you drove, you violated the law.
Vehicle impound and storage costs
When you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, Michigan law allows police to impound your vehicle when ready. You will be responsible for the tow fee (typically $150 to $300) and daily storage fees (usually $25 to $50 per day) at the impound lot. These costs accumulate quickly and are separate from any fines or legal fees you incur.
To retrieve your vehicle, you must show proof that your license is no longer suspended or that you have been issued a restricted license. If you cannot do that, the vehicle remains impounded and the storage fees continue to grow. Some impound lots will hold a vehicle for 30 days before selling it at auction to recover their costs.
How suspension gets extended after a conviction
If you are convicted of driving on a suspended license, Michigan's Secretary of State will extend your original suspension period. The length of the extension depends on why your license was suspended in the first place and how many prior convictions you have.
For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines and you are convicted of driving suspended, your suspension may be extended by six months to one year. If your license was suspended for a DUI-related reason, the extension is typically longer. This means a single traffic stop can turn a three-month suspension into a nine-month or longer one.
Requesting a restricted license during suspension
Michigan allows you to request a restricted license (sometimes called a work permit or occupational license) while your license is suspended, but only for specific purposes: driving to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs like alcohol treatment. You cannot use a restricted license for personal errands, social activities, or any other reason.
To request a restricted license, you must contact the Secretary of State's office in person or by mail. You will need to provide proof of the reason for the restriction (a letter from your employer, a school enrollment document, or a medical appointment card) and pay a fee, which varies but is typically $20 to $50. The Secretary of State will review your request and either approve or deny it based on the reason for your suspension and your driving history.
A restricted license is not automatic. The Secretary of State can deny your request if you were suspended for a serious reason like a DUI conviction or if you have multiple prior suspensions. Even if approved, a restricted license is valid only for the specific routes and times you listed on your process.
Why your license was suspended in the first place matters
Michigan suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of too many points, DUI conviction, failure to maintain auto insurance, or failure to pay child support. The reason for your suspension affects how long it lasts, whether you can get a restricted license, and what you must do to have it lifted.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines in full to the court that issued them. If it is for points, you must wait out the suspension period (usually three months to one year, depending on how many points you had). If it is for a DUI, you may be required to complete a substance abuse program and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before your license is restored.
You can find out why your license is suspended by checking your driving record through the Secretary of State's website or by calling their customer service line. Knowing the reason is the first step toward fixing it.
How to get your license back after a suspension
The steps to restore your license depend on the reason for the suspension. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the court. If you were suspended for points, you must wait out the suspension period and then request reinstatement from the Secretary of State. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program, install an ignition interlock device, and provide proof of insurance before reinstatement.
Once you have met all the conditions, you must formally request reinstatement from the Secretary of State. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. There is a reinstatement fee, typically $100 to $200, which you must pay at the time of your request. After your request is processed (usually within one to two weeks), your license will be restored and you can legally drive again.
Do not drive before your license is officially restored. Even one day of driving on a suspended license can result in arrest and criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restricted license if my suspension is for a DUI?
It depends on the circumstances of your DUI conviction and the length of your suspension. For some DUI suspensions, Michigan allows a restricted license after a waiting period (often 30 to 90 days). You must request it from the Secretary of State and provide proof of enrollment in a substance abuse program. Not all DUI suspensions may have access to, so contact the Secretary of State directly to learn about yours does.
What happens if I am caught driving suspended a second time?
A second offense within seven years is a misdemeanor with a maximum jail sentence of one year and fines up to $1,000. Your license suspension will be extended again, and your vehicle will be impounded. A third or subsequent offense can be charged as a felony, which carries much harsher penalties and a permanent criminal record.
Do I have to go to court if I am charged with driving suspended?
Yes. You will receive a court date in the citation or summons. You can appear in person, request a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford one, and either plead guilty, plead no contest, or request a trial. Many people hire an attorney to negotiate a reduced charge or sentence, though this is not required.
How long does it take to get a restricted license?
The Secretary of State typically processes restricted license requests within one to two weeks if you submit all required documents. If documents are missing or incomplete, processing can take longer. You can check the status of your request online or by calling the Secretary of State's customer service line.
Will driving on a suspended license affect my car insurance?
Yes. A conviction for driving suspended will be added to your driving record and reported to insurance companies. Your rates will increase significantly, and some insurers may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it. You may be forced to use high-risk insurance, which costs substantially more than standard coverage.