MI SB0478

Failure to answer a traffic citation or court notice for violations reportable to the Secretary of State is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days imprisonment or a $100 fine.

Courts must notify the Secretary of State to suspend a person's driver's license if they fail to appear or comply with court orders within specified timeframes (14 days for general violations, 7 days for DUI/OWI charges).

License suspension remains in effect until the person answers the citation, pays fines, and submits a $45 driver license clearance fee to the court.

Courts may prevent license issuance or renewal for persons with 2 or more unpaid disabled parking violations or 3 or more unpaid general parking violations, with discretionary fee waivers allowed.

The $45 clearance fee collected by courts is split among the Secretary of State ($15), the county/district/city treasurer ($15), and the juror compensation reimbursement fund ($15), effective January 1, 2018.