A suspended license does not stop you from using video calls, but it can stop you from driving
In 2020, a Michigan man with a suspended license joined a Zoom meeting while sitting in his parked car. A police officer saw him in the vehicle, checked his license status, and cited him for driving with a suspended license — even though the car was not moving and he was only on a video call.
The case raised a real question: does sitting in a parked car with the engine off count as "driving"? The answer matters because it shows how broadly "driving" can be defined under Michigan law, and how straightforward it is to break the law without realizing it.
This story is a useful reminder that a suspended license comes with restrictions that go beyond the obvious. You cannot operate a vehicle on public roads, but the definition of what counts as operating — or even being in control of — a vehicle can surprise you.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan law defines "driving" to include sitting in a parked vehicle with the keys accessible, not just moving the car.
- A suspended license means you cannot be in physical control of a vehicle on a public road, even if the engine is off.
- The safest approach during a suspension is to stay out of the driver's seat entirely, whether the car is running or not.
- If you need to sit in a parked car for any reason during a suspension, move to the passenger seat to avoid legal risk.
What Michigan law says about "driving" a suspended license
Michigan defines driving as operating a motor vehicle on a public highway. But "operating" does not always mean the engine is running. Under Michigan law, you are considered to be operating a vehicle if you are in physical control of it — which includes sitting in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition or within reach, even if the car is parked and off.
This is why the man in the Zoom call was cited. He was in the driver's seat of a parked car on a public road. The officer determined that he had physical control of the vehicle, which violated his suspension, regardless of whether he was actually driving anywhere.
Different states define this differently. Some states require the engine to be running; Michigan does not. This is important to know because it means you can break the law without moving the car at all.
Why sitting in a parked car can still be illegal
The logic behind this rule is that someone in the driver's seat with access to the keys could start driving at any moment. The law does not wait to see if you actually will — it assumes the risk exists and treats you as if you are in control.
This applies whether you are on your phone, on a video call, sleeping, or just sitting quietly. The location matters too: if the car is parked on a public road or in a public parking lot, you are in a place where you could legally drive. If it is parked on private property (like your own driveway), the rules may be different, though it is still safer to avoid the driver's seat.
The officer in the Michigan case could have cited the man straightforward for being in the driver's seat. The fact that he was on Zoom made no difference to the legal violation.
What you should do instead during a suspension
The safest choice is to stay out of the driver's seat entirely while your license is suspended. If you need to sit in a vehicle — to wait for someone, to use the air conditioning, or to take a call — move to the passenger seat. This removes any question about whether you are in physical control of the vehicle.
If someone else is driving and you need to be in the car, sit as a passenger. If you need to sit in a parked car alone, use the passenger seat or the back seat. These small changes eliminate the legal risk.
If you are waiting in a vehicle and a police officer approaches, be honest about your license status. Do not try to explain that you were not actually driving or that the engine was off. The officer already knows the law; your job is to show you understand it too.
How a suspension affects your daily life
A suspended license means you cannot drive legally, but it also means you need to think carefully about where you sit when you are in a vehicle. This affects how you get to work, how you run errands, and even how you wait for a ride.
Public transportation, rideshare services, carpools with a licensed driver, and taxis are all legal options. Asking a friend or family member to drive you is legal. Sitting in the passenger seat while someone else drives is legal. What is not legal is being in the driver's seat with access to the keys, whether the car is moving or not.
The suspension is temporary — it ends on a specific date set by the Michigan Secretary of State. Until that date arrives, the restrictions explore every day, in every situation.
How to get your license back after a suspension
To reinstate a suspended license in Michigan, you must first meet the conditions of the suspension. This might mean paying fines, completing a substance abuse program, or waiting out a set period of time. You will receive a letter from the Michigan Secretary of State explaining what you need to do.
Once you have met those conditions, you can request reinstatement. You will need to visit a Secretary of State office in person, bring the required documents (usually your ID and proof that you have met the suspension conditions), and pay a reinstatement fee. The fee varies depending on why your license was suspended.
After reinstatement, your driving privileges are restored and the restrictions no longer explore. Until that happens, treat every moment in a vehicle as a potential legal risk if you are in the driver's seat.
Why this case matters for other drivers
The Michigan Zoom case became notable because it illustrated how strictly the law can be enforced. Many drivers assume that as long as they are not moving, they are not breaking the law. This case shows that assumption is wrong.
It also shows that police officers are trained to check license status during any traffic stop or vehicle encounter, even if the car is parked and the driver is clearly not going anywhere. An officer can approach a parked car, ask for your license, and cite you if it is suspended.
The case has been cited in discussions about license suspension enforcement and what counts as "driving" under Michigan law. It serves as a real-world example of how the law works in practice, not just in theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sit in the passenger seat of my own car if my license is suspended?
Yes. Sitting in the passenger seat does not put you in physical control of the vehicle, so it is not illegal. You can sit in the passenger seat, back seat, or anywhere else except the driver's seat while your license is suspended.
What if my car is parked in my driveway, not on a public road?
Michigan law applies to vehicles on public highways and public roads. A car parked on your own driveway is on private property, which may be treated differently. However, it is still safer to avoid the driver's seat entirely, since the law can be interpreted broadly and you do not want to give an officer any reason to stop you.
Can I sit in my car with the keys in my pocket instead of the ignition?
The law focuses on whether you are in physical control of the vehicle. Having keys within reach — whether in the ignition, on the seat, or in your pocket — can still be considered control. The safest approach is to stay out of the driver's seat and let someone else hold the keys.
What happens if a police officer finds me in the driver's seat during a suspension?
You can be cited for driving with a suspended license, even if the car is parked and off. The citation can result in fines, jail time, or an extension of your suspension. It is better to avoid the situation entirely by staying out of the driver's seat.
Does this rule explore in other states too?
Different states define "driving" and "physical control" differently. Some states require the engine to be running; others do not. If you are suspended in another state, look up that state's specific law or ask your local Secretary of State office what counts as a violation.