Michigan Traffic Violations

Michigan Traffic Violations

Traffic violations refer to illegal acts by drivers when they break either one provision in the Michigan Vehicle Code (MVC). Michigan traffic violations are classified as either civil infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies.

Residents should become familiar with how these rules work, because there are many legal, financial, and social implications. Residents should understand what constitutes a violation under Michigan law, including the penalties, and how to look up traffic tickets and case files.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Michigan?

Michigan’s Vehicle Code broadly classifies traffic violations as moving and non-moving violations. Whether the violations are classified as civil infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies depends on the severity of the offense. It may lead to the payment of fines, suspension of the license, or, in serious situations, imprisonment.

Driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08, a “high BAC” enhancement at 0.17, or drug impairment is also a crime.

Types of Traffic Violations in Michigan

In Michigan, common violations include:

• Speeding: A violation for drivers who exceed approved basic or absolute speed limits on the road or highway.
• Running a red light/stop sign: Drivers fail to adhere to traffic-control signals.
• Driving without a valid license: It is a crime for drivers to operate a vehicle without a valid license or with a suspended license.
• Driving without no-fault insurance is regarded as a misdemeanor according to state law.
• Reckless driving is classified as a misdemeanor and may later escalate to a felony if it involves serious injuries or death.
• Hit and run/leaving the scene occurs when a driver flees an accident scene after causing property damage, serious injury, or death.
• Failure to yield/move over by a driver on a highway to stop at a stop line, or turn against a right-of-way and other emergency-vehicle protections.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Michigan

A summary of the common traffic violations is listed below:

• Distracted driving/handheld device: This is a traffic offense for any individual to hold or use a mobile electronic device while driving a vehicle.
• Fines, points, and licensing actions. Michigan uses a point system administered by the Secretary of State. Traffic violations may lead to points, a driver re-examination, and license suspension.
• OWI/Impaired driving. Penalties may include jail, fines, and ignition interlock devices for high BAC. First-time offense OWI may trigger a hard suspension followed by a restricted period.
• Reckless driving and hit-and-run. Penalties may include a fine between $500 and $5,000, up to five years in prison, and suspension of the driving license.
• No-fault insurance compliance. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and fines between $200 and $500.
• Hands-free/distracted driving. The law stipulates escalating fines for violations. Repeated offenses may carry driver-license points (one point for a second offense, two for a third within three years).
• Insurance and repeat-offender effects. It may lead to an increase in insurance premiums.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Michigan

Michigan courts grant public access to court records, except for some instances, including juvenile matters, personal protection order files, and sealed confidential records. Individuals may search for records of traffic violations in Michigan via the following channels:

• Court case/ticket lookup: The Michigan Judicial Branch provides a MiCOURT Case Search that allows the public to view many district-court traffic cases by name, case number, or ticket number. The portal is a convenience tool and not a substitute for the official record, which remains with the local court clerk.
• Local district courts. If the MiCOURT portal does not include your court, users may check the district court named on their citation (for Detroit, the 36th District Court maintains its own online case portal). They may obtain court records from the clerks at the local courthouse.
• Driving record (Secretary of State). For a statewide driving history, users may request a Michigan driving record from the Secretary of State:
  • Online: It costs a $16 fee for an electronic certified copy, and the record remains visible for seven days.
  • By mail: They must submit a completed Non-account & Individual Record Request Form to the Secretary of State's office. This service attracts a fee of $15 and $16 for a certified copy.
  • In person: Individuals may schedule an office visit to the Secretary of State's office. They must present their license or a valid ID along with a $16 fee when going to the office.

A driving record shows convictions, points, licensing actions (such as suspensions or revocations), and inevitable crashes. Court dockets may reveal filings, hearing events, and financial assessments (fines/costs/restitution).

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Michigan?

• Points stay two years from the conviction date on an individual’s record.
• Tickets or convictions remain on an individual’s driving record for at least seven years, depending on license type and offense.
• All alcohol or drug-related driving convictions remain permanent on the driving record of an individual.Michigan.gov

Michigan’s expungement law allows some traffic offenses to be set aside from an individual’s criminal record after waiting periods. However, even if the court expunges the records, the Secretary of State does not remove them from the driving record.