Though getting a traffic ticket is frustrating, it doesn’t have to be devastating. If you recently received a traffic violation in Michigan, there are steps you can take to keep your driving record clean and prevent costly insurance hikes.
Traffic Ticket Basics
Michigan traffic tickets are handled in district courts throughout the state. Determine which court will resolve your ticket and decide if you’re going to submit a “guilty,” “guilty with explanation,” or “not guilty” plea. Read your ticket carefully, because the time frame for submitting pleas for Michigan traffic tickets can vary from court to court.
It’s essential that you respond to your court in a timely manner. If you don’t submit your plea on time, the court will file a default judgment in your case from the Michigan traffic violation. You’ll be charged an additional fee, and if you fail to respond to your default judgment, you could end up with a suspended license.
Filing a “guilty” or “guilty with explanation” plea can be done in person or through the mail. You will be required to pay your fine and the conviction, and associated points will be added to your driving record. Some drivers have the option to take a Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) to remove the points from your record, but it is at the court’s discretion, and you may only take the course once in your lifetime.
If you don’t think you deserved your ticket, all drivers have the option to fight MI traffic tickets in court. This process requires you to plead “not guilty” and present your case in person or through an attorney you hire to represent you. If you win, your ticket will be dismissed and your driving record will remain clear of points. But if you lose, you could face additional fines and court fees, as well as attorney’s fees.
Michigan Point System
All traffic tickets in Michigan are assigned a point value. The Michigan DMV point system is a way to track your driving performance and penalize bad drivers by suspending or revoking their licenses. The larger the infraction, the more points associated with that traffic ticket. And the more points on your record, the higher your chances are for license suspension. So, how long do points stay on your license in Michigan? The points from a traffic conviction remain on your driving record for 2 years — unless you take a Michigan driver improvement course.
In addition to having too many points on your record, there are other ways you could lose your driving privileges in Michigan. A few include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license
- Fleeing the scene of an accident
- Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle
- Unsafe driving in a construction zone resulting in the death of a construction employee
Michigan fines and penalties for these violations can vary from court to court as well, so be sure to consult your court immediately after receiving your Michigan traffic ticket.
Removing Traffic Ticket Points
How to get points off your license in Michigan? In addition to fighting a traffic ticket in Michigan, you also have the option of taking a BDIC to dismiss your ticket. Keeping tickets and points from being added to your record is important, because even just one violation could result in an insurance rate increase.
To take a BDIC to remove points and keep a ticket from being reported to your insurance company, you’ll need to receive permission from the Michigan Secretary of State. It’s also worth noting that Michigan drivers can only take a BDIC course once in their lifetime to remove points from their driving record. You could be eligible to take a course if you meet the following criteria:
- You received a non-criminal traffic ticket
- You do not hold a commercial drivers license
- You have less than 2 points on your record
- Your ticket has a value of 3 points or less
- You’ve never taken a BDIC before
- Your license is not currently suspended or revoked
Typically a state-approved Michigan BDIC takes 4 hours. Whether you submit your course completion information to the court yourself, or your course provider does it for you, you should always follow up to ensure you received credit. Obtain a copy of your Michigan driver record and make sure the required 2 points were removed. If you see any problems, follow up with the court right away to prevent inaccurate reporting to your insurance provider.
FAQs
To get a speeding ticket dismissed in Michigan, ticket recipients may contest the ticket in court. If the recipient can present enough evidence to convince the judge of the recipient's innocence or an error in the ticketing process, the judge may dismiss the case.
How to remove points from driving record in Michigan? ›
To take a BDIC to remove points and keep a ticket from being reported to your insurance company, you'll need to receive permission from the Michigan Secretary of State. It's also worth noting that Michigan drivers can only take a BDIC course once in their lifetime to remove points from their driving record.
How do you get no points on a speeding ticket in Michigan? ›
Contesting the ticket and winning is the only way to get the best of all things. If you win, then you won't have points on your license, you won't have to take a course or pay a classroom fee, and you won't have the ticket go on your record that may be used against you in the future.
How long does a traffic ticket stay on your record in Michigan? ›
Your points for your traffic violation stay on your record for two years after the date of conviction. But the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) office also allows you to take a Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) to avoid having any points on your record.
How do I appeal a ticket in Michigan? ›
Traffic Tickets
- Contact the court within 3 to 14 calendar days and request a hearing. ...
- Unless a formal hearing is specifically requested, pleas of not responsible will be scheduled for an informal hearing with the magistrate. ...
- If you wish to appeal the decision, you must do so within 14 days of the magistrate's decision.
The typical result of 12 driver's license points is having your driver's license restricted, suspended or revoked for months or years.
How to get a ticket reduced in Michigan? ›
Online Ticket Resolution is available for newly issued civil infractions (within 14 days of issuance) only. You may request online resolution of your civil infractions in order for the magistrate or representative to decide whether your charge will be reduced to one with no or fewer points to your driver's license.
Can you get points removed? ›
Once penalty points expire, they're automatically removed from your driving licence. In some rare cases, your licence can be disqualified immediately as well - for example, if you're caught speeding or when driving whilst unfit.
How long does it take for points to come off your driving record in Michigan? ›
Each traffic violation has a point value, which is set by law in the Michigan Vehicle Code. Points are placed on your driving record only after you have been convicted of a moving violation. Points placed on your driving record remain there for two years from the date of conviction.
What is the Amnesty program in Michigan? ›
The program provides individuals an opportunity to settle outstanding court financial obligations while saving money. In addition, the program helps courts clear a backlog of files.
As long as a speeding ticket is on your driving record, you'll see higher insurance rates and points to your license. You may also lose out on any good driver discounts you had previously. However, there are ways to minimize the cost increases you'll face.
What tickets give you points in Michigan? ›
Michigan Driver's License Point System
- Vehicular manslaughter – 6 points.
- Reckless driving – 6 points.
- Refusal to take a chemical test – 6 points.
- Operating while visibly impaired – 4 points.
- Under age 21 with any bodily alcohol content – 4 points.
- Speeding at 16 mph or more over the limit – 4 points.
Points on your driving record can also lead to increased auto insurance rates. Insurers view drivers with higher points as higher risks, which typically results in higher premiums.
How much is a 5 over speeding ticket in Michigan? ›
1 - 5 m.p.h. over the speed limit: $125 fine and 1 points added. 6 - 10 m.p.h. over the speed limit: $135 fine and 2 points added. 11 - 15 m.p.h. over the speed limit: $140 fine and 3 points added. 16 - 20 m.p.h. over the speed limit: $150 fine and 4 points added.
What speed is reckless driving in Michigan? ›
In Michigan, you risk being charged with reckless driving if you go 25 miles per hour or more over the speed limit. If you are charged with a misdemeanor for speeding, you could face the following penalties: Up to 93 days in jail. Fine of up to $500.
What to do after getting a ticket in Michigan? ›
First of all, read the instructions on the ticket. It explains your options in detail. Be aware the "court date" on the front of the ticket is not the date you should appear in court. This is a deadline (usually 14 days) for either paying the ticket, or notifying the court of your intention to contest the charge.
Can your license be suspended for not paying a ticket in Michigan? ›
In most cases, if you do not take care of a traffic ticket, your driver's license will be suspended. Any traffic tickets for moving violations received while your license is suspended will result in additional suspensions on your driving record and payment of a reinstatement fee.
What happens if you miss court for a traffic ticket in Michigan? ›
Failing to Appear
If you fail to appear for a civil infraction violation, a default judgment will be entered against you, a $25 late fee will be assessed in addition to the original fines and costs (PDF) and your driver's license will be suspended until such time as payment is made.
How long does the Michigan Basic driver Improvement Course take? ›
You will have 60 days to successfully complete the Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC). The 60 day requirement is known as your “deadline date”, and is included on your notice from the Secretary of State's office. How long is the course? The course is 4 hours in length, but you can log in and out of it as needed.
