Has Your Michigan Driver’s License Been Suspended? 

Read About the 2021 Michigan Law for License Reinstatement

A vicious cycle has existed within the Michigan Secretary of State when it comes to driver’s license suspensions. Things such as excessive court fines and state-issued driver responsibility fees made it impossible for some to keep up with the costs associated with trying to keep a Michigan driver’s license valid. As many continued to drive even though their licenses were suspended, it would then result in additional sanctions when they were pulled over without a valid license. The fees would accumulate, and the dream of a valid Michigan driver’s license became less and less attainable. New laws taking effect in Michigan look to break some of that cycle to allow drivers back on the road. If you have legal questions about driver’s license reinstatement, then it is important that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney.

WHAT IS THE NEW LAW?

As part of a large criminal reform package signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer back in January 2021, Michigan drivers who have had their licenses suspended will have their licenses reinstated as of October 1, 2021. This change only applies to Michigan drivers who are suspended due to nonpayment of fines or their failure to appear in court. There are many offenses that can suspend your driver’s license even though they have nothing to do with driving. It is estimated that about 73,000 people will be immediately eligible to have their driver’s licenses reinstated by the Michigan Secretary of State. If your license is suspended as a punishment for dangerous driving activities such as an OWI, then it is important to know that this new law will not make your license eligible for reinstatement. 

HOW MIGHT THIS NEW LAW APPLY TO YOU

If your license is suspended for a failure to appear in court or from a failure to pay tickets, then you may be eligible to have your license cleared so you can get back on the road. If your driver’s license is suspended due to the failure to pay the fines on the following violations, then you are eligible to have your license reinstated. The eligible violations are:

• Open intoxicants in a vehicle (as driver or passenger)
• Person under 21 possessing alcohol in a vehicle (as driver or passenger)
• Minor in possession of alcohol (MIP)
• Failure to pay a civil infraction
• Using a fake ID to buy liquor
• Selling or giving alcohol to someone under 21
• Felonious driving
• Controlled substance offenses
• Unpaid parking tickets

You should have received a letter in the mail from the Michigan Department of State letting you know if you have been impacted by the new law. This letter will explain what is going to happen relating to any violations or suspensions and will inform you if you need to take any additional action to get your license back. Only once you have cleared your suspensions are you eligible to drive. If you have legal questions, then call us at Zeineh law so we can help!

HOW AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY CAN HELP

An experienced attorney can help evaluate whether you are eligible to have your license reinstated under this new program. If you are not eligible for reinstatement under this new program, then an attorney can help you find out why and help plan out how to become eligible for reinstatement. Oftentimes, people get their driver’s licenses suspended because of being inattentive or simply being unable to pay off the exorbitant fines that are ordered by a court or the state of Michigan. If your case requires more work, then you will want an attorney to help guide you towards clearing your driver’s license so you can get back on the road. Every day that you wait to act is another day that you are not on the road as a licensed driver. If you have legal questions, then call us at Zeineh Law so we can help!

ZEINEH LAW PROUDLY OFFERS A FREE CONSULTATION

If you are looking to reinstate your driver’s license, then it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Zeineh Law, we are proud to offer FREE consultations to all prospective clients. If you are in the process of choosing your attorney or are looking for an honest assessment of your legal situation, then our attorneys are available to help you now. Feel free to contact us anytime at (517) 292-7000 or online. Our advice is free, and our conversations will always be protected by the attorney-client privilege. Make your first choice towards freedom with a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney at Zeineh Law today.