Until The Wheels Fall Off
Common Michigan Misdemeanors Involving Driving — What You Need to Know
In Michigan, many people are surprised to learn that even relatively minor traffic violations can be treated as criminal misdemeanors. These charges can carry serious consequences, including fines, probation, points on your driving record, and even jail time. When serving as a public defender or retained counsel in numerous courts throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties, you’d be surprised at the staggering number of cases involving nothing more than simple driving offenses that carry criminal penalties (as opposed to civil infractions you’d get with a speeding ticket or other moving violation). Below are some of the most common driving-related misdemeanors, their potential penalties, and how to protect yourself.
1. Driving While License Suspended (DWLS)
Statute: MCL 257.904
Maximum Penalties:
First Offense: Up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 fine
Second or Subsequent Offense: Up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
Additional license suspensions/revocations imposed by the Secretary of State
Points: 2 points on your driving record
How to Avoid It:
Make sure you keep track of license suspensions, often triggered by unpaid tickets, insurance lapses, or missed court appearances. Contact the Secretary of State to confirm your driving status before getting behind the wheel if you have any concern regarding whether you have a suspended license. You know what they say about “ignorance of the law!”
2. Expired Plates / Improper Registration
Statute: MCL 257.255
Maximum Penalties:
Misdemeanor charge, up to 93 days in jail and/or $100 fine
Typically, most courts impose fines and court costs rather than jail time for first-time offenders
Points: None
How to Avoid It:
Renew your license plate tabs on time every year. If you can’t afford renewal, contact the SOS about short-term extensions or alternative options before driving.
3. No Valid Operator’s License in Possession (NVOL) / Failure to Display License
Statute: MCL 257.311
Maximum Penalties:
Up to 90 days in jail and/or $100 fine
Generally treated as a lesser offense than DWLS
Points: None
How to Avoid It:
Always carry your valid driver’s license when driving. If your license has expired, renew it promptly. If you lost your license, replace it (since a temporary paper license is, in fact, a license!)
4. Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident
Statute: MCL 257.618
Maximum Penalties:
Up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 fine
6 points on your driving record
Mandatory 90-day license suspension imposed by the Secretary of State
Points: 6
How to Avoid It:
If you are involved in an accident — even a minor one — you must stop, exchange information, and report the incident if required. Failing to do so almost always leads to harsher consequences than addressing the accident honestly.
Why Having an Attorney Matters
While these charges might seem minor, they can snowball into larger problems: increased insurance costs, longer license suspensions, or even jail time if ignored. An experienced attorney can:
Negotiate reductions — For example, having a DWLS reduced to a “No Valid License in Possession” charge, which carries fewer penalties and no points.
Seek dismissals — In some cases, charges like expired plates can be dismissed once you resolve the underlying issue.
Request adjournments — Courts often allow extra time for you to pay off old tickets, reinstate your license, or show compliance, which can lead to reductions or dismissals.
Protect your record — Avoiding points and license sanctions can save you from long-term insurance hikes and further suspensions.
Bottom Line
Traffic misdemeanors like DWLS, expired plates, or leaving the scene are not just “tickets” — they are criminal charges that can affect your freedom, your license, and your livelihood. The good news is that with the right legal help, many of these cases can be reduced, dismissed, or resolved in a way that helps you move forward.
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense in Michigan, contact Shkreli Legal today to discuss your options and protect your future.
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