Michigan Driving Records

Driving records in Michigan are public information under the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). They offer a comprehensive overview of a motorist's traffic history, including violations, fines, and any driving-related offenses.

These records are essential for companies to evaluate potential employees, particularly for roles involving driving responsibilities. For an individual, a clean driving record not only aids in securing employment but can also lead to reduced insurance premiums and lower license suspension or revocation risks.

The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) or Department of State (MDOS) is responsible for overseeing and managing driving records for all motorists in the state. The SOS processes record requests and ensures compliance with state regulations regarding driving history.

Types of Driving Records Available in Michigan

The Michigan driving record, officially known as the Master Driving Record (MDR), is a comprehensive file the state maintains. It includes information on licensed drivers, unlicensed drivers, and out-of-state drivers with traffic violations in Michigan.

This data is collected from various sources, including SOS branch offices, courts, the Michigan State Police (MSP), and the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The MDR consists of two main sections: the driver's license header and the driving history.

The driver's license header contains essential personal details and other relevant information, including:

Driver’s license number
Full name
Date of birth
Address
Eye color
Height
Weight
Sex
Most recent application information
Special restrictions
Aliases
Previous names
Endorsements
Mailing addresses

On the other hand, the driving history section encompasses a comprehensive record of various driving-related incidents and legal actions. This includes:

Traffic violations
Suspensions for Failure to Appear in Court (FAC)
Suspensions for Failure to Comply with Judgment (FCJ)
Accidents
Licensing actions such as suspensions, revocations, denials, and restrictions

Motorists in Michigan can purchase three types of driving records: Certified Complete Record, Certified Edited Record, and Certified Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Edited Record.

Certified Complete Record

The Certified Complete Record is the most detailed driving record available in Michigan. It contains all information from the driver's license header and driving history. Due to its comprehensive nature, attorneys often request this type of record for court proceedings or administrative hearings.

Certified Edited Record

The Certified Edited Record offers a more streamlined version of a driver's history. It is typically used by drivers who must present their driving records to employers. This record includes essential details from the MDR but omits some personal information and older infractions not necessary for employment purposes.

Certified CDL Edited Record

The Certified CDL Edited Record is specifically designed for commercial drivers. It meets federal requirements for CDL holders and is often provided to employers to confirm compliance with CDL regulations. The record includes relevant details from the MVR related to commercial driving.

How To Request a Michigan Driving History Report?

Obtaining a driving history report in Michigan can be done online, by mail, or in person.

Online

Drivers in Michigan can purchase a certified copy of their driving history report online by creating an account through MiLogin and authenticating their information on the SOS website.

The driving record will be accessible for seven days. Payments can be made using a credit or debit card (additional fees apply) or an e-check/bank account number, with a fee of $16.

During the seven-day period, motorists can view their electronic driver record multiple times by logging in and selecting "View Transaction History." If the record is not accessed within the allotted time, drivers may apply for a refund.

Mail

Requesting a driving history report by mail involves completing the Record Request for Account Holders (Form BDVR-153).

The fee is $15 for a regular copy and $16 for a certified copy. Individuals should send the completed form along with the fee (check or money order) made payable to "State of Michigan" to:

Michigan Department of State

Record Sales Unit

7064 Crowner Drive

Lansing, MI 48918-1502

In Person

For those preferring an in-person option, drivers can obtain a certified copy of their driving history report at an SOS branch office. They must first schedule an office visit through the SOS e-Services.

During the appointment, drivers should bring their license or ID and pay by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (additional fees apply).

Uses of Michigan Driving Records

Under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 257.40(b), the release and use of personal information from driving records are regulated. Individuals can request their own information or authorize its release to a third party. With proper authorization, driving records can be used or accessed by the following:

Government Access: Federal, state, and local agencies, including courts and law enforcement, can access records for official duties.
Business Use: Records are used for data verification, fraud prevention, legal actions, vehicle safety, theft prevention, emissions testing, and market research.
Insurance: Insurance companies use records for claims investigations, fraud prevention, and underwriting.
Legal Proceedings: Records can be used in civil, criminal, administrative, and arbitration cases.
Research: Researchers can access records for statistical analysis as long as the data is not published or re-disclosed.

Additional uses:

Notifying owners of abandoned or impounded vehicles
Private detective investigations
Employment verifications (e.g., commercial or chauffeur’s licenses)
Car rental companies, private toll facilities, and news media for operations and reporting

Understanding Michigan Driving Laws

Drivers in Michigan must be aware of and adhere to the state’s driving laws and regulations to avoid significant penalties. Below are the essential Michigan driving laws and their associated penalties:

Licensing Laws and Penalties

Under Michigan law, operating a vehicle without a valid license is prohibited. This includes driving with an expired, suspended, or revoked license or without ever having been issued a license. According to the MCL Section 257.904a, penalties include up to 90 days in jail and fines between $50 and $100 for those without any license.

Meanwhile, driving with a suspended or revoked license incurs fines up to $500 and up to 93 days in jail, with repeat offenses resulting in fines up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

Speeding Laws and Penalties

Speeding is regulated under MCL Section 257.627, which includes basic and absolute speed limits. The basic speeding law requires drivers to maintain a “careful and prudent” speed, adapting to traffic and road conditions.

Absolute speed limits are set for various areas: 70-75 miles per hour (mph) on highways, 55 mph on county roads, 25 mph in residential areas, and 15 mph in mobile home parks. Violations typically result in fines of up to $100 and court costs.

Fines are higher in work, construction, and school zones due to lower speed limits and increased risk.

Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

Reckless driving is defined under MCL Section 257.626 as operating a vehicle with “wanton or willful disregard” for safety. This offense may lead to incarceration for a maximum of 93 days and impose fines as high as $500 for typical misdemeanor cases.

When reckless driving leads to serious injury, it becomes a felony, with penalties including up to five years in prison, fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and possible vehicle forfeiture.

If reckless driving causes death, penalties escalate to up to 15 years in prison and fines between $2,500 and $10,000.

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Laws and Penalties

Michigan law addresses OWI through MCL Section 257.625. This statute applies to motorists whose blood alcohol concentration reaches or surpasses .08%. First-time OWI offenders face up to 93 days in jail, fines from $100 to $500, up to 360 hours of community service, and a 180-day license suspension.

Penalties increase with a BAC of .17% or higher. Subsequent OWI convictions within seven years lead to harsher penalties, including extended jail time, larger fines, and longer license revocation.

Auto Insurance Laws and Penalties

According to MCL Section 500.3101, Michigan drivers must carry auto insurance with personal injury protection, property protection, and liability coverage. Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines of up to $500, up to one year behind bars, and a 30-day license suspension.

This suspension can be extended until proof of insurance is provided, with a $125 service fee required for reinstatement. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents are liable for all medical and repair costs and may face increased insurance premiums.

Hit-and-Run Laws and Penalties

Leaving the scene of an accident is regulated under MCL Sections 257.617 to 257.624b. Failing to stop and provide information after an accident is serious, and penalties escalate based on the accident's severity.

For incidents resulting in severe injury or death, offenders could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison and face fines reaching $5,000. If the accident leads to a fatality, the penalties can escalate to a maximum of 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

The Point System in Michigan

In Michigan, the driver’s license point system, outlined in MCL Section 257.320(a), monitors traffic violations by assigning points based on their seriousness.

Serious offenses like vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving result in six points, while more moderate infractions such as speeding 16 mph or more above the limit accrue four points.

Less severe violations, including careless driving or ignoring traffic signals, earn three points, and minor infractions like speeding up to 10 mph over the limit receive two points.

Consequences and Mitigations for Accumulating Excessive Points

Accruing points on a driving record triggers specific consequences. The SOS issues a warning letter to drivers who accumulate four points within a two-year period.

A second warning is issued if eight points are reached, indicating possible license suspension if further infractions occur.

Twelve points necessitate a mandatory reexamination, including a review of driving history, vision tests, and driving assessments, which could lead to restrictions, suspension, or revocation of the license. High point totals also result in increased insurance premiums due to perceived higher risk.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Michigan

Driving offenses in Michigan are categorized based on severity and nature, including criminal and civil violations.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses, usually categorized as felonies or misdemeanors in Michigan, involve severe violations that can cause significant harm. These offenses carry harsher penalties and may result in a criminal record.

Felonies like vehicular homicide occur when negligent driving results in death and can lead to up to 15 years in prison and heavy fines. Misdemeanors, such as driving without a license or reckless driving, also carry serious consequences, including fines and jail time. These offenses are criminal due to their serious nature and the need to safeguard public safety.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses, or traffic infractions, are less severe than felonies and misdemeanors. Infractions include minor offenses like parking tickets or failing to display required documentation.

These violations typically result in fines and points on the driver’s record and do not carry criminal charges or imprisonment.

Michigan Driving Statistics and Goals

Michigan's "Toward Zero Deaths" (TZD) initiative aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2050. Despite this goal, recent data shows a troubling trend.

From 2018 to 2022, fatal crashes in Michigan increased by 16.3%, from 905 to 1,053, even as overall accidents decreased by 6%. Vulnerable road users were particularly affected:

Pedestrian fatalities rose by 19.3% (from 145 to 173)
Bicyclist fatalities surged by 71.4% (from 21 to 36)
Motorcyclist fatalities increased by 29.1% (from 134 to 173)

Texting while driving raises crash risk by 23 times, and alcohol-impaired driving contributed to 30% of traffic fatalities in 2020, while speeding accounted for 29%.

To counteract these trends, the MSP’s Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) aims to reduce traffic fatalities to 944 and serious injuries to 4,994 by the end of 2024. They also plan to lower the fatality rate to 0.97 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Implementing the Safe System Approach (SSA), which focuses on human-centered design and operational changes, is central to this effort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Driving Records

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Michigan driving records:

Who Can Request a Driving Record?

Michigan driving records are accessible to individuals, commercial entities, and government agencies, provided they comply with the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

Requests for driving records that do not meet the DPPA criteria or lack proper authorization will result in the redaction of personal details or denial of the request. Additionally, the DPPA prohibits obtaining record information for illegal purposes or through fraudulent means.

How Can Drivers Manage and Reduce Points on Their Driving Record?

Points automatically expire after two years, but violations stay on the driving record for seven years, affecting insurance rates. Drivers can reduce points by taking a driver improvement course or contesting them in court. However, not all violations are eligible for this reduction.

How Can Corrections Be Made to a Driving Record?

If individuals notice discrepancies with an action on their record, they should contact the Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) for assistance.

For errors related to citations or court actions, individuals must obtain a corrected abstract from the court and send it to the SOS's Driver Record Activity Unit.

Helpful Links and Resources

For more detailed information on Michigan driving records and related topics, refer to the following resources:

Guide on how to read a Michigan driving record: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/msp/cjic/pdfs7/SOSHowToReadDrivingRecord.pdf?rev=e7d31ada4cfa4bf0a9870a7c43694b96
Michigan traffic laws FAQs:https://www.michigan.gov/msp/services/traffic-safety/traffic-laws-faqs
Michigan State Police (MSP) 2023 Annual Traffic Crash Report: https://www.michigan.gov/msp/-/media/Project/Websites/msp/CJIC---Annual-Traffic-Crash-Report-Year-End-2023.pdf?rev=a5da8f1604f247dab6047ee5e57962a9

Counties in Michigan

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Michigan
How To Request a Michigan Driving History Report?
Uses of Michigan Driving Records
Understanding Michigan Driving Laws
The Point System in Michigan
1. Consequences and Mitigations for Accumulating Excessive Points
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Michigan
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Michigan Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources