What is a Michigan driver’s license revocation? In Michigan, your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked for different reasons. The SOS will suspend your license if you fail to pay your tickets on time or miss a traffic hearing court date. After the suspension expires, reinstatement is usually automatic, that is, after you pay a reinstatement fee. In contrast, if you’re convicted of serious offenses, your driving privileges will be revoked. With a revocation, reinstatement is not automatic. You will have to take additional steps to get your license reinstated.
Michigan Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLS/DWLR) – primary differences
Unlike a traffic ticket, which is a civil infraction, a Michigan driving while license suspended or revoked is a criminal offense. A DWLS/DWLR will have significant consequences on your driving privileges. If you are convicted of DWLS or DWLR, you will have to appear in court and face fines, costs, and possible jail time. In addition, the Michigan Secretary of State will take action against your license, which could result in additional suspensions/revocations and points.
Driving on a suspended license in Michigan can be a vicious circle of additional suspensions, fines and costs, arrests, and possible jail time. Additionally, having your driver’s license suspended makes it much more challenging to get around and carry out daily activities, which can seriously impact your personal and work life. More on what is a Michigan DWLS charge.
If you are facing a Michigan DWLS (driving while license suspended) charge, it is important to understand what this charge means and the possible penalties you may face.
A Michigan DWLS charge can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. If caught driving on a suspended license, you may face serious penalties, including jail time, fines, and loss of your driver’s license. A DWLS charge is a criminal offense in Michigan and can result in up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. The punishment for a subsequent violation could include imprisonment for not more than one year, a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.
How to reinstate your suspended Michigan driver’s license.
“How do I reinstate my suspended Michigan driver’s license?”
Michigan drivers ask us this question every day. To reinstate your suspended Michigan driver’s license means understanding the reason your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to fix it.
The reinstatement procedure varies depending on what type of violation occurred. For reinstating your driving privileges after an OWI/DUI, you will need to reinstate your license through the Secretary of State (or SOS), while reinstatement after a traffic violation or failure to pay a ticket is completed through the court. Be aware that reinstating your driver’s license can be complicated, expensive, and time-consuming – especially with multiple violations on your record.
Suspensions vs Revocations
Many people confuse suspensions and revocations. It is important to understand the difference because the process to reinstate your license is different depending on whether your license is revoked or suspended.
If your license is revoked, then you have lost your license indefinitely. To restore a revoked license, you have to attend a hearing at the SOS. On the other hand, if your driver’s license is suspended, then you can just wait until the suspension expires and your license will be reinstated after payment of a fee.
2021 law reinstated 73,000 Michigan driver’s licenses
A new law took effect that eliminated driver’s license suspensions for approximately 73,000 Michigan residents who failed to pay tickets, court fines, or failed to appear in court for certain non-moving and other violations. The Secretary of State will automatically reinstate your suspended Michigan driver’s license if you qualify. The 73,000 people affected by this law will be able to use their existing license or have a new one immediately issued by the Secretary of State.
If you have additional suspensions on your record you must resolve those matters before reinstatement of your suspended Michigan driver’s license will take place. If you are a driver with additional infractions on your record, including additional suspensions or revocations, you will need to address those issues before you will be able to reinstate your suspended Michigan license.
