Michigan's New Suspension Law and What It Changes
Michigan passed a law in 2024 that limits when the Secretary of State can suspend your license for certain violations. The law narrows the reasons for suspension and creates a pathway to get your license back sooner in some cases. If your license was suspended before this law took effect, you may be able to request a review of your suspension status.
The most significant change is that Michigan no longer suspends licenses automatically for certain traffic violations and minor offenses that previously triggered suspension. Instead, judges now have discretion to decide whether suspension is necessary in individual cases. This means your circumstances matter more than a blanket rule.
The law does not erase past suspensions retroactively, but it does allow you to petition the Secretary of State to reconsider a suspension that was issued under the old rules. Understanding whether your suspension falls under the new law is the first step toward getting back on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan's 2024 law removes automatic license suspension for many traffic violations and minor offenses that previously triggered suspension.
- Judges now decide on a case-by-case basis whether suspension is appropriate, rather than following a mandatory suspension rule.
- If your license was suspended before the law passed, you can request the Secretary of State review your suspension under the new rules.
- The law does not restore your license automatically; you must submit a petition or request for reconsideration to the Secretary of State.
- Certain serious violations—like driving under the influence or reckless driving causing injury—still result in suspension under the new law.
Which Violations No Longer Trigger Automatic Suspension
The new law removed suspension as the mandatory penalty for a range of violations that previously resulted in automatic license loss. These include certain moving violations, failure to pay fines, and minor criminal offenses that do not involve impaired driving or serious harm.
Specific violations affected include failure to maintain auto insurance, driving with a suspended or revoked license (in some circumstances), and certain misdemeanor convictions. The exact list depends on the offense code and the circumstances of your case. Your court records or the Secretary of State's website can tell you whether your specific violation falls under the new rules.
Even though these violations no longer trigger automatic suspension, a judge can still order suspension as part of your sentence if they believe it is necessary. The difference is that suspension is now a choice, not a requirement.
How to Request a Review of Your Current Suspension
If your license is currently suspended and your suspension was issued before the new law took effect, you have the right to request that the Secretary of State review your case. This is not a new hearing or trial—it is a review of whether your suspension should remain in place under the new legal standard.
To request a review, contact the Michigan Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division. You will need to provide your driver's license number, the date your suspension began, and the reason for the suspension. You can submit your request by mail, phone, or in person at a Secretary of State office.
The Secretary of State will examine your suspension and determine whether it would still be imposed under the new law. If your suspension was for a violation that no longer triggers automatic suspension, your case may be reconsidered. Processing times vary, but you should expect a response within several weeks.
Suspensions That Still explore Under the New Law
Not all suspensions were eliminated. The new law kept suspension in place for serious violations where public safety is the concern. Driving under the influence (DUI), operating while impaired, and reckless driving causing injury or death still result in license suspension.
Suspensions also remain for habitual traffic offenders—drivers with multiple violations within a set period—and for violations involving commercial driver's licenses. If your suspension is tied to one of these offenses, the new law does not change your suspension status.
Additionally, suspensions ordered by a judge as part of a criminal sentence are not affected by this law. If a judge specifically ordered your license suspended as a penalty, that order stands regardless of the new rules about automatic suspension.
The Timeline for Getting Your License Back
The timeline depends on whether you are requesting a review of an existing suspension or waiting out a new suspension issued under the new law. If you request a review, the Secretary of State typically responds within 2 to 4 weeks, though this can vary during busy periods.
If your suspension is upheld or if you are serving a suspension for a violation that still triggers suspension, you will need to wait out the suspension period set by the court or Secretary of State. Some suspensions are for a fixed period (such as 6 months or 1 year), while others remain in place until you meet certain conditions, such as paying fines or completing a driver improvement program.
Once your suspension period ends, you will need to reinstate your license through the Secretary of State. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee and providing proof that any court-ordered conditions have been met.
What Happens If Your Suspension Is Upheld
If the Secretary of State reviews your suspension and determines it should remain in place, you have limited options. You cannot appeal the decision to a higher court based solely on the new law, because the Secretary of State has the authority to interpret how the law applies to your case.
However, if you believe the Secretary of State made an error in reviewing your case—for example, if they misidentified the violation or applied the wrong legal standard—you can request a formal hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process and requires submitting a written request that explains why you believe the review was incorrect.
In the meantime, you may be able to drive with a restricted license if you meet the requirements for a work permit or occupational license. These allow limited driving for specific purposes, such as getting to work or medical appointments, even while your regular license is suspended.
Reinstatement Fees and Requirements
When your suspension ends, you cannot straightforward start driving again. You must formally reinstate your license through the Secretary of State, which involves paying a reinstatement fee. The fee amount varies depending on the reason for your suspension and how long it lasted.
In addition to the fee, you may need to provide proof that you have met other conditions. These can include proof of payment of any outstanding fines, completion of a driver improvement course, proof of insurance, or a medical clearance if your suspension was health-related.
You can reinstate your license online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Online reinstatement is usually the fastest option if you meet all the requirements. Have your driver's license number, date of birth, and payment method ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the new law automatically restore my suspended license?
No. The law changes which violations trigger suspension going forward and allows you to request a review if your suspension was issued before the law passed. You must take action—either request a review or wait for your suspension period to end—before your license can be restored.
How do I know if my violation is covered by the new law?
Check your court documents or the Secretary of State's website for the specific violation code. You can also call the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division at the Michigan Secretary of State's office and provide your license number and suspension date. They can tell you whether your violation falls under the new rules.
Can I drive with a restricted license while my suspension is being reviewed?
You may be able to request a work permit or occupational license that allows limited driving for essential purposes. You must explore for this separately from your suspension review. Contact your local Secretary of State office or the court that issued your suspension to learn about your options.
What if I was convicted before the law passed but not yet suspended?
If you have not yet been suspended, the new law may explore to your case. A judge will decide whether to impose suspension based on the new legal standard rather than an automatic rule. This gives you a better chance of avoiding suspension, but it is not may provide.
How much does it cost to reinstate my license?
Reinstatement fees vary based on the reason for suspension and the length of the suspension period. Fees typically range from $100 to $500, but you should contact the Secretary of State's office or check their website for the exact amount for your situation.