What You Need to Know About Getting a Ticket From a Moving Violation in Michigan

By: Mark Nelson

Were you pulled over and cited for a moving violation? Like most people your biggest concern is not the fine, but rather the points and the effect it will have on your insurance. Don’t worry, with a good driving record there is still hope that you won’t be penalized by your insurance company. 

The first thing you need to know is that you don’t have a lot of time to act. You must contact the court listed on your citation quickly. If you wait more than 10 days the citation will result in a default judgment and be reported to the Secretary of State and added to your driving record. Don’t let this happen to you, call quickly.

When you call you want to find out what the court offers for points mitigation or removal. Most courts in conjunction with law enforcement have a program that will allow you to have a speeding ticket converted to a zero-points non-moving violation. It may cost you more than your original ticket, but you won’t have points. These programs go by different names, but if you request traffic mediation or a points removal program, the clerk you’re speaking with will be able to direct you to your options. Some courts even have an online program for you to submit a request for a zero point resolution. 

If you happen to get a ticket in a jurisdiction that doesn’t have a program to allow you to have your charge converted to a non-moving violation, you can still request an informal hearing on the citation. Police officers are often willing to negotiate a lesser citation at a hearing. Don’t be afraid to ask. 

If none of the above work, you may have an additional avenue to have points reduced. If you qualify, the Michigan Secretary of State will notify you in writing that you can take the Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course. To be eligible, you must have fewer than two points on your license, not have been operating a commercial motor vehicle, and must have been cited for an eligible offense. If you qualify, you’ll receive a letter in the mail.

Even good drivers get tickets. You don’t have to face an increase in insurance rates for the one time you may have made a mistake and received a ticket. If you’re ticketed for a moving offense, be proactive and you may benefit by not having the violation reported to your insurance company.

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If you have questions about receiving a moving violation in Michigan, contact criminal defense attorney Steven Tramontin here. He’ll make sure you don’t get penalized by your insurance company for a minor traffic violation.