What Gets Your License Suspended in Michigan

Michigan suspends driver's licenses for specific violations, and the suspension is automatic — you do not have to be convicted in court for it to take effect. The most common reason is accumulating too many points on your driving record. Michigan's point system assigns points for traffic violations: a speeding ticket is typically 2 points, reckless driving is 6 points, and a at-fault accident is 3 points. When you reach 12 points within a two-year period, the Secretary of State suspends your license for 30 days.

Other automatic suspensions happen for specific offenses regardless of points. A DUI conviction (driving under the influence) triggers a mandatory suspension that lasts at least 6 months for a first offense, 1 year for a second, and 5 years for a third within 10 years. Refusing a breath or blood test during a DUI stop results in a 1-year suspension. Driving with a suspended license, accumulating child support arrears, or failing to pay traffic fines can also trigger suspension. Some suspensions are temporary; others remain until you take specific action to restore your driving privileges.

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan suspends your license automatically when you reach 12 points in two years, or for specific violations like DUI, regardless of points.
  • You must contact the Secretary of State to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $125 for a standard suspension) and sometimes complete a driver improvement course or substance abuse program.
  • You can request a hearing before the Secretary of State if you believe the suspension was issued in error or if you have hardship circumstances.
  • Driving while suspended is a separate criminal offense in Michigan and can result in jail time, fines, and a longer suspension.

Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended

The Secretary of State mails a suspension notice to the address on file with your license. If you did not receive one, or if it was lost, you can contact the Secretary of State directly to confirm the reason and the suspension start date. Call the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division at 517-322-1460 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.

You can also check your driving record online through the Secretary of State's website. A copy of your official driving record costs $5 and shows all points, violations, and any active suspensions. Knowing the exact reason matters because different suspensions have different restoration requirements. A point-based suspension requires only a reinstatement fee; a DUI suspension requires proof of substance abuse treatment completion; a child support suspension requires proof from the Friend of the Court that arrears are paid or a payment plan is in place.

Reinstatement Fees and Restoration Steps

Once your suspension period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The standard fee is $125 for most suspensions. If your suspension was for accumulating points, you also must complete a Driver Improvement Course (sometimes called a defensive driving course) before you can restore your license. This course costs between $15 and $25 depending on the provider and can be taken online or in person.

For DUI-related suspensions, the requirements are more extensive. You must complete a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment program, pay the reinstatement fee, and sometimes install an Ignition Interlock Device (a breathalyzer connected to your vehicle's ignition) for a set period. The assessment and treatment are separate from the reinstatement fee and can cost several hundred dollars depending on the program. For suspensions related to child support or unpaid fines, you must resolve the underlying debt or set up a payment plan before the Secretary of State will restore your license.

To restore your license, mail or deliver the reinstatement fee and proof of course completion (if required) to the Secretary of State's office, or submit them online through the SOS website if that option is available for your suspension type. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks after the Secretary of State receives your payment and documents.

Requesting a Hearing or Hardship Exemption

If you believe your suspension was issued in error, or if you have a documented hardship that requires you to drive before your suspension ends, you can request a hearing before the Secretary of State. Hardship situations include medical emergencies, loss of employment that depends on driving, or caring for a dependent who has no other transportation. A hardship exemption does not remove the suspension; it allows you to drive to and from specific places (such as work or medical appointments) during the suspension period.

To request a hearing or hardship exemption, contact the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division at 517-322-1460 or submit a written request to the Secretary of State's office. Include your name, driver's license number, the reason for your request, and any supporting documents (medical records, employment letters, proof of hardship). The Secretary of State will schedule a hearing, usually by phone, within 30 days. You will have the opportunity to present your case, and the hearing officer will decide whether to grant the exemption or uphold the suspension.

Driving While Suspended: Penalties and Consequences

Driving with a suspended license in Michigan is a criminal offense, separate from the original violation that caused the suspension. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. A second offense within 7 years is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving while suspended also extends your suspension. The Secretary of State will add an additional suspension period on top of your existing one. If you are caught driving while suspended, your license will be suspended for even longer, and you will face the criminal charges. This creates a cycle that is difficult to escape: the longer you cannot drive legally, the more tempting it becomes to drive anyway, but doing so makes the situation worse.

Point Reduction and Long-Term Prevention

If your suspension was caused by accumulating points, you can reduce your point total by completing a Driver Improvement Course. Michigan allows you to remove up to 4 points from your record once every 24 months by taking an approved course. This does not erase points that are already on your record; it straightforward reduces the total. If you are close to 12 points, taking a course before you reach that threshold can prevent suspension.

Points stay on your driving record for 2 years from the date of the violation. After 2 years, they drop off automatically. If you have multiple violations, the 2-year window resets with each new violation. Avoiding new violations is the most direct way to prevent future suspensions. Safe driving habits — following speed limits, avoiding distractions, and not driving under the influence — keep your record clean and your license active.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a suspension stay on my record?

The suspension itself is removed once you restore your license, but the underlying violation remains on your driving record for 2 years. Insurance companies can see the violation during that time, which may increase your premiums. After 2 years, the violation drops off your record.

Can I get a restricted license to drive to work during my suspension?

Yes, through a hardship exemption. You must request one from the Secretary of State and show that you have a documented need to drive for work, medical care, or other essential purposes. The exemption allows you to drive only to and from those specific places, not for personal errands.

What if I move out of Michigan while my license is suspended?

Your Michigan suspension follows you. If you move to another state, that state will recognize the Michigan suspension, and you cannot obtain a license in the new state until the Michigan suspension is resolved. You must restore your Michigan license first, even if you no longer live there.

Do I have to take a driver improvement course if my suspension was for DUI?

No. DUI suspensions require substance abuse assessment and treatment, not a driver improvement course. The requirements are different because DUI is treated as a substance abuse issue, not a general driving safety issue.

Can I restore my license online?

You can pay the reinstatement fee and submit some documents online through the Secretary of State's website, but the process varies by suspension type. Contact the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division to confirm whether your specific suspension can be restored online or whether you must mail or deliver documents in person.