Driving While Suspended
MCL 257.904 — the misdemeanor, the plates, and the added suspension
A person whose license or registration is suspended or revoked, whose application was denied, or who never applied, may not drive a motor vehicle on a highway or any place open to the public, parking areas included. An owner who knowingly lets such a person drive commits the same misdemeanor, and a felony if that driving causes a serious impairment of a body function (up to 2 years) or a death (up to 5 years).
| The violation | The maximum |
|---|---|
| The violationFirst | The maximumA misdemeanor: 93 days, $500, or both, and in most cases the plates canceled |
| The violationAfter a prior conviction | The maximumA misdemeanor: 1 year, $1,000, or both, and the plates canceled unless the vehicle was stolen |
| The violationCausing a serious impairment of a body function | The maximumA felony: 5 years, a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, or both |
| The violationCausing a death | The maximumA felony: 15 years, a fine of $2,500 to $10,000, or both |
Driving on a suspension adds to it. A conviction or civil infraction for driving, or a moving violation, while suspended or revoked adds another suspension or revocation of the same length where the first had a definite length, and 30 days where it was indefinite or the application was denied. Once in a lifetime, those added periods do not apply to a person whose only current suspension is for failing to answer a citation or comply with a court order or judgment.
The two felonies do not apply where the suspension was for failing to answer a citation or comply with an order or judgment. The section does not apply at all to someone who drives solely to protect life or property that is endangered, where summoning prompt aid is essential.
Getting a license back, and restricted licenses, are set out in other sections and are not covered here.
Sources for this section (1)
- MCL 257.904 — Driving while a license is suspended, revoked, or denied
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Michigan attorney.