Getting a traffic ticket is a nightmare. With the advances in technology, it has become harder to prevent them. In this article, let us answer some common questions that every person may have about traffic tickets in Michigan and how to handle them.
Am I still required to pay for my traffic tickets even if I sold the car in Michigan?
Yes. If you received traffic tickets while owning the car in Michigan and later sold it, these outstanding tickets must generally still be paid even though you no longer possess the vehicle. When selling a vehicle, ownership usually passes to its new owner through an official process that notifies relevant authorities of this change in status.
No matter where it was purchased from or how its ownership changed hands, any outstanding fines or tickets incurred while owning the car remain your responsibility until addressed in a sale agreement or resolved through legal channels. Refusing to pay traffic tickets could result in fines, license suspension, or legal action being taken against you. So, addressing outstanding tickets quickly is imperative, regardless of whether or not the car still belongs to you. For any specific concerns you might be experiencing regarding your situation, it would be a good idea to consult a legal professional or contact relevant authorities for clarification.
Is there a limit to how many traffic tickets I can get in Michigan?
Michigan does not impose an upper limit on the number of traffic tickets one may incur; however, multiple violations could result in various repercussions, including fines, license suspension/revocation fees, increased insurance rates, and mandatory attendance at driver improvement programs—or potentially jail time in cases involving more serious offenses.
Repeated violations can also result in points being added to your driving record. If too many accumulate within an allotted period, this could result in suspension or revocation of your driver's license. Drivers must comply with traffic laws to avoid these possible outcomes and stay safe.
If your driving record or ticket accumulation is becoming an issue, consulting with a legal professional may help, or reaching out directly to the Michigan Department of State—Driver and Vehicle Services will provide guidance.
Can I get my license back after revocation?
Michigan allows drivers who have had their license revoked to apply for reinstatement; the exact details and procedure vary based on why and what led up to its loss.
After experiencing license revocation, following the instructions outlined by the Michigan Secretary of State may help reinstate your driving privileges. These steps include:
You should complete any required waiting periods or license suspension periods.
You should fulfill court-mandated requirements such as attending driver improvement programs or paying fines before providing proof that additional conditions set forth by courts or secretaries of state have been fulfilled and paying any reinstatement fees that apply.
Pass any necessary tests, such as written or driving examinations.
Adherence to instructions issued by the Secretary of State's Office and completing all steps accurately and on schedule are crucial in reinstating an individual. Please do so to avoid delays and complications during reinstatement proceedings.
If you need advice regarding reinstating your driver's license in Michigan or need to reinstate one after an incident, contact either the Michigan Secretary of State's Office or a legal professional and seek guidance explicitly tailored to your situation.
My 16-year-old son got caught on a traffic camera for a violation in Michigan. Why am I being charged?
If your 16-year-old was caught violating Michigan traffic law with his vehicle registered to you, chances are the owner is responsible regardless of who was behind the wheel at the time of the violation. In many jurisdictions, owners are held liable for traffic offenses regardless of who may have committed them.
However, if your son was driving at the time of the violation and is charged, you could attempt to contest his charge by providing evidence proving this fact to those charged with the infraction. You could do this by providing his name and any relevant details directly to them.
If your son was driving your vehicle with your permission and then violated traffic laws while doing so, "vicarious liability" laws hold you accountable. According to these statutes, vehicle owners are accountable for actions performed by anyone they permit to drive their car - specifically traffic violations committed while under your authority.
After receiving any type of charge or documentation related to it, it's wise to review all details regarding said charge with a legal professional for advice as soon as possible. They can help explain your options and rights when faced with such situations.
In the coming parts of this series, we will continue answering more questions you may have about traffic tickets in Michigan.