Michigan Traffic Fines
& Penalty Ranges
Typical fine ranges for the most common Michigan traffic violations — speeding, red light, cell phone, and more. Plus how the point system works and what to do if you got a ticket.
Read This First — Ranges Only, Not Exact Amounts
The fines below are typical ranges only. Your actual fine depends on the county, the specific court, your driving history, the officer's discretion, and any local surcharges. Court costs and state assessments are added on top of the base fine and can substantially increase the total.
This page is not legal advice. If you've received a citation — especially for reckless driving, DUI, hit-and-run, or any criminal traffic charge — consult a licensed Michigan attorney before doing anything else.
📋Common Michigan Violations & Typical Fines
Most-searched violations in Michigan. All amounts include the typical base fine; court costs and state surcharges are added on top and vary by county.
| Violation | Typical Fine |
|---|---|
Speeding 1–10 MPH over 2 points | $100–$155 |
Speeding 11–15 MPH over 3 points | $125–$155 |
Speeding 16+ MPH over Doubled in active construction zones. 4 points | $155–$250 |
Running a red light 3 points | $125–$200 |
Running a stop sign 3 points | $125–$155 |
Seat belt violation | $25–$65 |
Hand-held cell phone (statewide ban as of 2023) $100 first / $250 second / triple fines if a crash occurs while violating. | $100–$250 |
Driving without insurance Plus possible license suspension and vehicle impoundment; misdemeanor charge. | $200–$500 |
🎯How Michigan's Point System Works
Michigan SOS assigns 2–6 points per moving violation. Points stay on your driving record for 2 years from the date of the violation.
12 points within 24 months requires a re-examination by the Secretary of State and may result in license restriction, suspension, or revocation.
🎓Traffic School & Defensive Driving
Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) is a one-time-only opportunity that prevents the conviction from appearing on your driving record (and from raising your insurance). Eligibility limited to 3-point or lower violations and a clean recent record. Course cost is approximately $100–$150.
🛡️The Hidden Cost: Auto Insurance
The fine on the ticket is often the smaller half of what a moving violation costs you. In most cases, a single ticket can raise your auto-insurance premium by 20%–40% for the next 3 years — frequently adding $300–$1,500+ in extra premiums, depending on your insurer, your prior record, and your state's rating rules.
Talk to your insurance agent before deciding whether to pay or contest a ticket — they can usually tell you the actual rate impact, which often makes traffic school (where eligible) the obvious choice even if the fine itself is small.
📝If You Got a Michigan Ticket — Three Steps
- 1
Read the citation carefully — don't miss the deadline
Every Michigan citation has a court date or response deadline (often 20–30 days). Missing it usually means an automatic guilty finding, additional fees, and a possible bench warrant. Note the court name, the violation code, and the deadline — they're all printed on the ticket.
- 2
Decide: pay, contest, or take traffic school
For minor non-moving violations (parking, expired tags), paying is often the cheapest path. For moving violations that add points or insurance impact, traffic school (where eligible) is often the better total-cost choice. Contesting makes sense when you have evidence the citation is wrong, when the consequences are severe, or when an attorney advises it.
- 3
For serious charges, talk to a Michigan attorney
Reckless driving, DUI, hit-and-run, driving on a suspended license, leaving the scene — these are criminal charges in Michigan, not traffic infractions. They carry possible jail time, license revocation, and long-term consequences. Many traffic-defense attorneys offer free initial consultations; the cost of representation is almost always less than the cost of mishandling a serious charge alone.
🔗Official Michigan Sources
For exact, current penalties for your specific situation, check the official sources below — these are the same sources Michigan courts and law enforcement use:
💰Also Worth Knowing: Michigan License Cost
See the complete cost breakdown for getting a Michigan driver's license — permit fees, license fees, REAL ID, driver education, and the hidden costs no one tells you about.
View Michigan License Cost BreakdownNeed Your Michigan Driver's License?
Get the complete step-by-step Michigan driver's license guide — requirements, documents, road test tips, fees, and FAQs.
Full Michigan Driver's License GuideThis page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Traffic-fine amounts vary by county, court, prior record, and the specific circumstances of each case. Court costs, state surcharges, and assessments are routinely added on top of the base fines listed here and can substantially increase the total amount owed.
Information is sourced from publicly available Michigan statutes and DMV publications and may not reflect the most recent amendments. Always verify current penalties at the official Michigan source before relying on any number on this page. For any criminal traffic charge — including DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, or driving on a suspended license — consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
DriveGuideUSA.com is not affiliated with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS), any Michigan court, or any law enforcement agency.