What Michigan's New Suspension Law Changed
Michigan passed Public Act 138 of 2024, which took effect on January 1, 2025, and changed how the state handles license suspensions for unpaid traffic fines and court costs. The law creates a new pathway to reinstatement without paying the full amount owed, and it limits when the Secretary of State can suspend a license in the first place.
The core change: Michigan now requires the court to offer a payment plan or alternative to suspension before your license can be suspended for debt. If you cannot pay a traffic fine or court cost in full, you have the right to request a plan. The state can no longer automatically suspend your license straightforward because you owe money.
This affects anyone with an outstanding traffic debt in Michigan, whether the debt is recent or years old. If your license is already suspended under the old rules, you may be able to have it reinstated under the new law without paying the full balance.
Key Takeaways
- Courts must offer a payment plan or alternative before suspending your license for unpaid traffic fines or court costs.
- You can request a payment plan directly from the court that issued the fine, and the court must consider your ability to pay.
- If your license is already suspended for unpaid traffic debt, you may request reinstatement under the new law by contacting the court or the Secretary of State.
- The law applies to traffic fines, court costs, and restitution ordered by a Michigan court, but not to child support or criminal fines unrelated to traffic.
- Reinstatement does not erase the debt—you still owe the money, but you can drive while paying it off on a plan.
How the Payment Plan Process Works
If you receive a traffic ticket or court cost notice in Michigan, you can request a payment plan before the court suspends your license. You do not have to wait until suspension happens. Contact the court that issued the fine directly—usually the district court or municipal court in the city or township where the ticket was issued.
Tell the court you cannot pay the full amount and ask for a payment plan. The court must consider your financial situation and offer terms you can reasonably meet. Plans typically allow monthly payments over 12 months or longer, depending on the amount owed and your circumstances. The court will put the agreement in writing.
Once you have a payment plan in place, the court cannot suspend your license as long as you make the payments on time. If you miss a payment, the court may resume suspension proceedings, but it must notify you first and give you a chance to catch up or request a modified plan.
Reinstatement If Your License Is Already Suspended
If your license was suspended before January 1, 2025, for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you may be able to have it reinstated without paying the full debt. You have two options: contact the court that suspended your license, or contact the Michigan Secretary of State directly.
Through the court: Call or visit the court that issued the original fine. Explain that your license was suspended for unpaid traffic debt and ask about reinstatement under Public Act 138. The court will review your case and may reinstate your license if you agree to a payment plan or if the debt meets the law's criteria for relief.
Through the Secretary of State: You can also request reinstatement by contacting the Michigan Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division. Call 517-335-0616 or visit the Secretary of State office in person. Bring documentation of the original fine and proof of your current financial situation if possible. The Secretary of State can reinstate your license and direct you to set up a payment plan with the court.
Reinstatement is not automatic—you must request it. The court or Secretary of State will not contact you on their own.
What Debts Are Covered and What Are Not
Public Act 138 applies to traffic fines, court costs, and restitution ordered as part of a traffic case. This includes speeding tickets, parking violations, reckless driving, and other moving violations. It also covers the court costs added to the fine—fees for processing, court administration, and victim services.
The law does not cover child support arrears, criminal fines unrelated to traffic (such as fines for theft or assault), or suspensions for other reasons like failure to maintain insurance or unpaid vehicle registration. If your suspension is for one of those reasons, this law does not explore, and you will need to address the underlying issue to get your license back.
If you are unsure whether your debt qualifies, contact the court that issued the suspension notice. The notice itself will state the reason for suspension—if it says "unpaid traffic fine" or "unpaid court costs," you are covered by the new law.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not ignore a fine notice hoping it will go away. The longer you wait, the more court costs and collection fees may accumulate. Contact the court as soon as you receive a notice and ask about a payment plan before suspension happens.
Do not assume you must pay the full amount to drive legally. Under the new law, you have the right to a payment plan. If a court employee tells you otherwise, ask to speak with a supervisor or contact the Secretary of State's office.
Do not confuse reinstatement with forgiveness. Reinstating your license means you can drive again, but you still owe the debt. You must continue making payments on the plan or risk suspension again.
Do not miss a payment on your plan. If you cannot make a payment, contact the court when ready and ask about modifying the plan before you miss the due date. Missing payments gives the court grounds to resume suspension.
Differences Between Old and New Rules
| Situation | Before January 1, 2025 | After January 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| You owe a traffic fine and cannot pay in full | Court could suspend your license when ready | Court must offer a payment plan before suspending |
| Your license is suspended for unpaid traffic debt | You had to pay the full amount to reinstate | You can request reinstatement and set up a payment plan |
| You miss a payment on a plan | No formal process; suspension could happen without notice | Court must notify you and allow time to catch up before suspending |
| You want to challenge a suspension | Limited options; mostly had to pay or wait | You can request review and modification of the plan |
Next Steps After Reinstatement
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a notice from the Secretary of State confirming the reinstatement. This notice is your proof that you can legally drive. Keep it with you until you receive a new physical license in the mail, which may take a few weeks.
You will also receive information about your payment plan from the court. Read it carefully and note the due date, amount, and payment method. Most courts accept payments by mail, phone, or online. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar so you do not miss a payment.
If your circumstances change—you lose income, face a medical emergency, or have another hardship—contact the court before the next payment is due. Courts can modify plans if your situation changes, and it is better to ask early than to miss a payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license back if I owe money from a ticket from five years ago?
Yes. Public Act 138 applies to old debts as well as new ones. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines from any year, you can request reinstatement and a payment plan. Contact the court that issued the original fine or the Secretary of State's office.
What if I cannot afford even a small monthly payment?
Tell the court your situation. Courts have discretion to set payment amounts based on what you can actually afford. If you have no income, the court may allow a very small payment (such as $10 or $25 per month) or may suspend the plan temporarily while you look for work. Do not ignore the debt—communicate with the court.
Does paying on a plan affect my driving record or insurance?
No. A payment plan does not add points to your driving record or change your insurance rates. The original traffic violation is already on your record. The plan straightforward allows you to pay the fine over time instead of all at once.
What happens if I move out of Michigan while on a payment plan?
You must continue making payments to the Michigan court, even if you move. Contact the court before you move and confirm the mailing address or online payment method. If you do not pay, Michigan can report the debt to other states, and your license may be suspended again if you return.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Michigan does not issue hardship licenses for traffic debt suspensions. Your best option is to request reinstatement under the new law and set up a payment plan so you can drive legally while paying off the debt.