HB 5791 Summary

• Prohibits persons with suspended, revoked, or denied operator's licenses from operating motor vehicles on highways or public areas in Michigan.

• Establishes criminal penalties for unlicensed driving: up to 93 days imprisonment or $500 fine for first violation; up to 1 year imprisonment or $1,000 fine for subsequent violations, with vehicle registration plate cancellation.

• Imposes felony penalties for unlicensed drivers causing serious injury (up to 5 years imprisonment, $1,000-$5,000 fine) or death (up to 15 years imprisonment, $2,500-$10,000 fine) to others.

• Mandates the Secretary of State impose additional suspension or revocation periods when unlicensed drivers are convicted of moving violations, except for violations occurring during suspensions under section 321a, 511, or 732a.

• Allows a one-time lifetime exemption from additional suspension periods for persons with only one active suspension under section 321a who violate driving laws during that suspension.

• Takes effect January 1, 2018.