What causes a license suspension in Michigan
Michigan suspends your driver's license when you break specific traffic laws or fail to meet requirements tied to your license. The state does not suspend for a single speeding ticket, but it does suspend for unpaid traffic fines, driving with a suspended license, accumulating too many points in a short time, refusing a breath test, or missing a court date related to a traffic charge.
The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you miss a payment important date, the court reports this to the Michigan Secretary of State, which automatically suspends your license. Another frequent cause is accumulating too many points — Michigan uses a point system where moving violations add points to your record, and reaching 12 points in two years triggers a suspension.
A suspension is different from a revocation. A suspension is temporary — you can take steps to get your license back. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process, usually after a waiting period. Michigan issues suspensions for violations you can correct; revocations for more serious offenses like multiple drunk-driving convictions.
Key Takeaways
- Unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or child support arrears are the most common reasons Michigan suspends a license, and the suspension lifts once you pay.
- You can check your suspension status and the reason for it through the Michigan Secretary of State website or by calling their customer service line.
- To restore your license, you must address the underlying reason — pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or resolve the issue that triggered the suspension.
- Driving on a suspended license in Michigan is a separate crime that can result in jail time, fines, and a longer suspension, so do not drive until your license is restored.
How to find out why your license was suspended
The Michigan Secretary of State sends a notice in the mail when your license is suspended, but mail can be delayed or lost. The fastest way to confirm your suspension status is to visit the Secretary of State website and use the online license status lookup tool. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number.
If you cannot access the online tool, call the Secretary of State's customer service line at 1-888-767-6424. They can tell you the exact reason for your suspension and what you need to do to restore your license. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
The notice you receive in the mail will also list the reason and the steps required to lift the suspension. If you have not received a notice and suspect your license may be suspended, check the online tool or call — do not assume your license is valid.
Suspensions for unpaid fines and court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the district court or traffic court listed on your ticket or suspension notice. They will tell you the exact amount due, any payment plans available, and where to send payment.
Once the court receives your payment, they report it to the Secretary of State. Your license is usually restored within one to three business days, though this can vary depending on how quickly the court processes the payment and reports it. Ask the court for a confirmation number or receipt showing the payment was received.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask the court about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. Some courts also offer community service in place of fines for certain violations, though this depends on the court and the original charge.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points
Michigan's point system assigns points to your driving record based on the violation. A speeding ticket is typically 2 to 4 points depending on how far over the limit you were; reckless driving is 6 points; driving with a suspended license is 6 points. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period, the Secretary of State suspends your license for 30 days.
To restore your license after a point-based suspension, you must complete a defensive driving course approved by the state. The course teaches safe driving practices and removes up to 4 points from your record. You can take the course online or in person at many driving schools and community colleges across Michigan. After you complete the course, submit proof of completion to the Secretary of State.
Once the Secretary of State receives your course completion certificate, your license is restored. You will still have points on your record, but the course removes some of them and shows the state that you are taking steps to drive more safely. If you accumulate 12 points again within two years, you face another suspension.
Suspensions for refusing a breath or blood test
If you refused a breath test, blood test, or urine test during a traffic stop, Michigan's implied consent law requires the Secretary of State to suspend your license. This suspension is separate from any criminal charge you may face. The suspension is automatic and happens even if you are not convicted of drunk driving.
The length of the suspension depends on whether this is your first refusal. A first refusal results in a one-year suspension. A second refusal within seven years results in a two-year suspension. A third or subsequent refusal results in a lifetime revocation, though you may be able to request reinstatement after ten years.
To restore your license after a refusal suspension, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment. You will also need to file a petition with the Secretary of State and pay a reinstatement fee. An attorney can help you understand your options and represent you in the reinstatement process.
Suspensions for child support arrears
Michigan can suspend your driver's license if you fall behind on child support payments. The Friend of the Court office in your county reports non-payment to the Secretary of State, which then suspends your license. This suspension is meant to encourage payment and is separate from other penalties for unpaid child support.
To restore your license, you must bring your child support account current — meaning you must pay all back payments plus any current payments due. Contact the Friend of the Court office in the county where the child support order was issued. They can tell you the exact amount owed and set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full when ready.
Once you have paid the arrears and are current on your payments, the Friend of the Court reports this to the Secretary of State. Your license is restored within a few business days. If you fall behind again, your license can be suspended again.
The process to restore your Michigan license
The steps to restore your license depend on the reason for the suspension. In all cases, you must first address the underlying issue — pay fines, complete a course, resolve child support arrears, or complete a substance abuse evaluation. Then you must notify the Secretary of State that the issue has been resolved.
For most suspensions, the court or agency that reported the suspension will automatically notify the Secretary of State once you have complied. For example, if you paid your fines, the court sends the payment information to the Secretary of State. If you completed a defensive driving course, the driving school sends proof of completion to the Secretary of State.
Check your license status online or by phone a few days after you have completed the required steps. Your license should show as valid once the Secretary of State has processed the information. If your status has not changed after a week, contact the Secretary of State or the agency that issued the suspension to confirm the information was received.
Driving on a suspended license in Michigan
Driving while your license is suspended is a separate criminal offense in Michigan. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $100 to $500, or both. A second offense within seven years carries up to one year in jail and a fine of $200 to $1,000. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.
If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, you will be arrested and your vehicle may be impounded. You will face criminal charges in addition to the original suspension. Your license suspension will also be extended — typically by six months to one year depending on the circumstances.
If your license is suspended and you need to drive, explore other options: use public transportation, carpool with someone who has a valid license, use a rideshare service, or ask your employer about flexible work arrangements. Some people in rural areas with no public transit may be able to request a work permit that allows limited driving, though this is rare and requires a petition to the Secretary of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Michigan license suspension last?
The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines lift once you pay. Point-based suspensions last 30 days. Refusal suspensions last one year for a first refusal, two years for a second, and are permanent for a third. Child support suspensions lift once you are current on payments.
Can I get a work permit to drive while my license is suspended?
Michigan does not issue work permits for most suspensions. You must wait for the suspension to be lifted or address the underlying issue. In rare cases, you can petition the Secretary of State for a restricted license, but this is only granted in specific circumstances and requires a formal request.
What happens if I move out of Michigan while my license is suspended?
Your Michigan suspension remains on your record. If you move to another state and explore for a license there, that state will see your Michigan suspension history. Many states will not issue a license until you have resolved the suspension in Michigan. You should address the suspension before moving.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee to get my license back?
For most suspensions, there is no reinstatement fee — your license is restored once you have met the requirements. For refusal suspensions and some other serious violations, the Secretary of State charges a reinstatement fee, typically $125 to $300. The fee is separate from any fines or costs you owe to the court.
Can I contest my suspension if I think it was issued by mistake?
Yes. If you believe your suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing with the Secretary of State. You must file a written request within a certain timeframe — check your suspension notice for the important date. An attorney can help you prepare your case and represent you at the hearing.