Michigan Driving Records

Driving records may shape how individuals are seen on the road. These records capture a person's history behind the wheel and can influence everything from job opportunities to insurance rates.

Every state manages its own system of driving records, and Michigan is no exception. Access to these is governed by state-specific laws, meaning the rules for who can view them and how they may be used vary from one place to another. Understanding what is in a Michigan driving record, and why it matters, is the first step in taking control of your driving future.

What Is a Michigan Driving Record?

In Michigan, a driving record, also known as the Michigan Driving Record (MDR), is an official document that outlines an individual's driving history. The Michigan Department of State maintains this record to help enforce and monitor compliance with state driving laws.

What Is The Difference Between Official Driving Records and Public Driving Records

While public driving records may include some of the same details found in an official driving record, they are not identical and should not be considered interchangeable.

The Department of State creates and maintains official driving records, which provide verified, up-to-date information about a driver's history. Documents issued by the agency are always certified records and can be used for official purposes.

In contrast, public driving records provided by third-party services like RecordsFinder compile information from publicly accessible sources. Although they are commonly used for general background checks, they typically lack certification and are not accepted for purposes that require official documentation.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Here are some of the most common uses of driving records in Michigan:

• Checking Your Own Status: Michigan residents may request their driving record to stay informed about their license status, check for traffic violations, or monitor points.
• Insurance Reviews and Premium Adjustments: Auto insurance companies use your driving history report to assess your risk level and determine your rates. Some programs in the state, including usage-based insurance and Michigan-specific safe driver incentives, offer discounts to drivers with clean records.
• Employment: Employers frequently request driver records when hiring for roles that involve vehicle operation. For commercial driving jobs, employers are legally permitted to access crash history and driving status directly through the Department of State, as outlined in Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Chapter 257, Section 733.
• Court and Legal Proceedings: A certified Michigan driving record may be used to challenge traffic citations or provide proof of license status.
• Driver Reexamination by the State: The Michigan Department of State may require a reexamination for drivers in some cases. These referrals are based directly on the driver's official record.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

A driver report contains both personal identification details and a comprehensive account of an individual's driving activity. The report may include:

• Legal name
• Date of birth
• Driver's license number
• Physical characteristics
• Home and mailing addresses
• Type(s) of licenses held and issuance dates
• Driving endorsements
• Background check results for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), if applicable
• Record of traffic convictions
• Notices for Failure to Appear in Court (FAC)
• Notices for Failure to Comply with a Court Judgment (FCJ)
• Documented traffic crashes
• Enforcement actions, including suspensions, revocations, or restrictions of the license

Types of Driver Records Available in Michigan

The Michigan Department of State offers different types of official driver records.

The full driving record is the most detailed version available. It includes a complete history of the driver's activity and any convictions associated with participation in the Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC).

The limited driving record offers a more streamlined version and omits not-at-fault crashes, at-fault crashes without a conviction, and any BDIC-related convictions. It is intended for general reference and employment verification, rather than legal use.

The employer's driving record is available for businesses or organizations hiring commercial drivers. This version typically includes essential commercial driver information in addition to the standard driving history.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Michigan

In Michigan, the severity of traffic violations determines whether they are classified as civil infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. The Michigan Vehicle Code primarily governs these violations and sets the framework for traffic laws in the state.

Traffic tickets are issued based on the violation's classification, with civil infractions typically resulting in fines, while misdemeanors and felonies may lead to more severe consequences, including possible criminal charges.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Aside from the severity, traffic violations are generally categorized as either moving or non-moving infractions. Moving violations occur while a vehicle is in motion and common examples include:

• Speeding (MCL 257.627)
• Reckless or careless driving (MCL 257.626)
• Failure to yield (MCL 257.649)
• Running red lights and stop signs (MCL 257.612)
• Driving under the influence or DUI (MCL 257.625)
• Distracted driving (MCL 257.602a)
• Seatbelt and child safety violations (MCL 257.710e)
• Improper lane changes or passing (MCL 257.648)

Non-moving violations, on the other hand, typically involve issues with a vehicle when it is stationary. Some common non-moving violations include the following:

• Parking violations (MCL 257.676)
• Equipment violations (MCL 257.710a)
• Expired registration or plates (MCL 257.217 and MCL 257.225)
• Allowing an unauthorized driver behind the wheel (MCL 500.3102)
• Failure to display license plates (MCL 257.227)

What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

Receiving a traffic ticket in Michigan requires immediate action. You typically have 10 to 14 days to respond to your ticket.

Generally, there are two ways to respond to a traffic ticket (paying it or appearing in court).

Paying Your Ticket

You may pay your traffic ticket online, by mail, or in person:

• Online: Many citations can be paid through the Michigan Courts ePAYwebsite, which allows payment via credit card, debit card, or eCheck.
• By Mail: You can mail your payment to the court listed on your ticket using a check or money order.
• In Person: You may also pay at the district court clerk's office or in a secure drop box, which is available at some locations.

Paying a ticket is considered an acknowledgment of responsibility for the violation.

Appearing in Court

If you intend to contest the ticket or request a court appearance, check the "deny responsibility" box on the citation, sign it, and return it to the court. The court will then schedule a hearing where you can present your case.

Prepare by gathering any supporting evidence, such as witness statements, photographs, or diagrams of the scene. If needed, consulting with an attorney can help guide your defense.

At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your argument. Depending on the type of hearing, it could be informal (before a magistrate) or formal (with a judge), and it may involve presenting legal evidence and following specific procedures.

What to Do If You Lose Your Ticket

If you cannot find your ticket, you may still retrieve the details through the following options:

• Reach out to the court listed on your ticket. They may often locate your citation using your name, driver's license number, or other identifying details.
• Visit the Michigan Courts ePAY website and use the case search tool.

How Does the Michigan Point System Work?

In Michigan, the driver's license point system, as outlined in MCL Section 257.320(a), tracks your traffic violations by assigning points based on their severity.

Serious violations, like reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter, carry six points. Moderate offenses, such as speeding 16 mph or more over the limit, earn four points. Less severe violations, like running a red light or careless driving, result in three points, while minor infractions, such as speeding up to 10 mph over the limit, receive two points.

If you accumulate four points within two years, you'll receive a warning from the Michigan Department of State. Reaching eight points will trigger a second warning, and further violations may lead to license suspension.

If you accumulate 12 points, you'll be required to undergo a reexamination. The purpose of this reexamination is to assess your driving behavior and determine if restrictions, suspensions, or revocations are needed for safety.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History

In Michigan, points added to your driving record for moving violations stay for two years from the conviction date. Civil infractions generally stay on your record for at least seven years, depending on the specific violation and your license type.

Serious offenses, such as DUI/OWI convictions, remain on your record forever. Similarly, drug convictions stay on your record permanently.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Traffic violations cannot be completely removed from your Michigan driving record, even if the offense is expunged from your criminal record.

The state's Clean Slate laws allow certain criminal convictions to be set aside after a waiting period, but this does not apply to traffic violations. For example, first-offense DUI/OWI convictionsmay be set aside after five years of probation, but the conviction will still remain on your driving record permanently.

The Department of State emphasizes that Clean Slate laws serve to lift any active license restrictions so individuals can regain their driving privileges.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

Michigan drivers may obtain copies of their motor vehicle history reports through three convenient methods: online, by mail, or in person.

Online Request

The quickest way to request your driving record is through the Department of State's Online Services portal. To complete an online request:

• Create a MiLogin account to verify your identity.
• Pay the fee using a credit or debit card, or via e-check.
• Download your record within seven days, as it will no longer be available after that period.

Mail Request

If you prefer a paper-based request, you may submit a Record Lookup Request form via mail. Here's how:

• Complete the request form.
• Mail the fee and form to the Michigan Department of State's Driver Record Activity Unit at 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918.

In-Person Request

If you prefer to request your driving history report in person, you may visit any Michigan Secretary of State office:

• Schedule your visit or simply walk into the office.
• Bring your ID and payment (cash, check, money order, or card).

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Michigan?

The cost of obtaining a driving record varies depending on the method of request.

Online requests cost $16 for a certified copy, and the record is available for immediate download.

If you prefer to request your record by mail, the fee is $15 for an uncertified copy and $16 for a certified copy, with processing typically taking 10-14 business days.

For in-person requests, the fee is also $16 for a certified copy, and the record is provided on the spot.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

In Michigan, receiving a fully certified driving record free of charge is not an option.

While there is no permanent free access to official records, Michigan occasionally offers free driving records during special events, such as the Road to Restoration clinics, where certain fees are waived for attendees. Outside of these events, however, obtaining a complete driving history comes with a cost.

Third-party websites may provide free summaries of your driving history, but they cannot be used for legal, employment, or insurance purposes.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record is characterized by frequent traffic offenses, accidents, or severe violations like DUIs. Moving violations, such as speeding or reckless driving, directly impact your record, adding points that could lead to license suspension or higher insurance rates.

Non-moving violations, like parking tickets, don't usually affect your record unless they are unpaid or unresolved. Unpaid tickets may result in additional fines, penalties, and even a suspension of your registration or driver's license.

Similarly, warnings are not recorded on your driving record and do not impact your insurance rates or legal standing. However, if a warning leads to a citation or if you fail to correct the issue, it could result in a formal violation being added to your record.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A poor driving record in Michigan can significantly impact both your car insurance rates and job prospects.

Insurance providers use your driving history to determine your level of risk, generally reviewing the last three to five years of traffic offenses. Minor violations may result in premium increases of around 10% to 15%, while serious offenses like a DUI can drive up rates by over $1,300 annually.

When it comes to employment, certain jobs, especially those that involve driving or require a clean criminal record, may be affected by your driving history. Employers in fields like transportation, law enforcement, and education often conduct background checks, and a bad driving record could lead to disqualification from such roles.

Who Can Access Your Michigan Driving History?

In Michigan, access to an individual's driving history is usually regulated by both federal and state laws to protect personal information.

The federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits the disclosure of details from motor vehicle records unless there is a permissible use, such as for law enforcement, court proceedings, or employment verification. Michigan law follows the same principles. Unauthorized use or release of this information may lead to civil penalties.

Drivers may request their own records without providing a reason, while insurance providers may obtain them for tasks like underwriting or claims assessment.

Employers also have access to verify driver qualifications, particularly in regulated industries. For ongoing monitoring, organizations can enroll in the Driving Record Subscription Service, which offers annual reports or immediate updates when changes, such as new violations or license actions, occur.

Law enforcement and government agencies are also permitted access when performing official duties.

FAQs About Michigan Driving Records

Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Michigan driving records below.

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