Understanding the CDL License Restoration Process in Michigan

For Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, losing driving privileges isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be career-ending. The process for Driver’s license restoration in Michigan is more complex for CDL drivers than for standard drivers, and knowing the right steps to take is essential.

 

Even minor violations can have major consequences due to strict state laws and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. For example:

• First-time alcohol-related offenses often mean a one-year revocation, with repeat offenses potentially resulting in a lifetime ban.
• Suspensions can apply even for violations in your personal vehicle.
• Restoring your personal driver’s license doesn’t automatically restore CDL privileges.

 

The first step in regaining your CDL is determining why it was suspended or revoked—common reasons include OWI/DUI offenses, multiple moving violations, or failing to maintain insurance. Once you know the cause, you can begin meeting the state’s eligibility requirements, which may include completing safety programs, paying fines, and filing SR-22 insurance. 

 

Learn more about navigating the driver’s license restoration process for CDL holders in Michigan here.

 

By understanding the process early and preparing the right documentation, CDL holders can improve their chances of getting back on the road and protecting their livelihood. Contact us today to get started!

How to Restore Your CDL After a DUI in Michigan

Is it possible to get your CDL back after a DUI? In many cases, yes—but it’s not automatic.

If your CDL was disqualified due to a DUI, Michigan requires that you complete the full disqualification period—usually one year for a first offense—before pursuing restoration. 

But getting your license back takes more than just waiting.

 

To begin the driver’s license restoration in Michigan process, you’ll need to:

• Work with an experienced attorney
• Gather documentation of rehabilitation
• Attend a Secretary of State hearing
• Make a strong case for your sobriety and safety record

 

Even if your personal driving privileges are restored, CDL reinstatement requires separate steps—including passing knowledge and skills tests. Learn more about restoring your driving privileges after a DUI here.

 

For commercial drivers, a DUI doesn’t have to be the end of your career. But the road back takes effort, legal guidance, and a solid plan.

What Happens to Your CDL After a DUI in Michigan?

For Michigan commercial drivers, a DUI can mean more than just legal trouble—it can mean losing your livelihood.

Michigan holds CDL holders to a higher legal standard, and even a first-time DUI offense can result in a one-year disqualification of your commercial driver’s license. If you were transporting hazardous materials at the time, the disqualification could extend to three years.

 

But that’s not all. Many employers have zero-tolerance policies for DUI offenses. Even a pending charge could result in job loss, and with your CDL disqualified, finding another driving job can be incredibly difficult.

 

In addition to the commercial penalties, your personal driver’s license may also be suspended or revoked, complicating everyday life. Learn more about restoring your driving privileges after a DUI here.

 

If you’re a CDL holder facing DUI charges, don’t wait. Learn more about your options for driver’s license restoration in Michigan and protect your future behind the wheel.

Can a Probation Violation Derail Your Driver’s License Restoration in Michigan?

If you're currently working toward driver’s license restoration in Michigan, a probation violation can put your progress in jeopardy. Many people don’t realize how closely probation compliance ties into other legal matters—especially those involving DUI or substance-related offenses.

Here’s how a probation violation can hurt your license case:

• Failing a drug or alcohol test may suggest ongoing substance use.
• Missed treatment sessions or unpaid fines can reflect poor compliance.
• New criminal charges can delay or disqualify your restoration efforts.

 

To stay on track, it’s crucial to respond to probation allegations promptly:

• Hire a qualified attorney to represent you.
• Fix any compliance issues—such as completing missed classes or making overdue payments.
• Present evidence of rehabilitation, such as clean drug screens or proof of employment.

Learn more about navigating probation violations on our website!

 

Your future mobility and independence may depend on how you handle this. Don’t let a setback become a roadblock.

 

✅ Schedule your free initial consultation today by calling (734) 263-2780 .

Understanding Probation Violations in Michigan—And What to Do Next

Probation can be a second chance—but it comes with strict rules. If you’ve been placed on probation in Michigan, it’s essential to understand exactly what’s expected of you. Even small slip-ups—missing an appointment or failing to submit documentation—can be interpreted as violations with serious consequences. 

Common probation violations include:

• Missed court dates or probation meetings
• Failed drug or alcohol tests
• New criminal charges
• Incomplete programs or unpaid fees

 

The penalties for a violation vary but can include extended probation, jail time, or even the loss of eligibility for driver’s license restoration in Michigan.

Learn more about navigating probation violations here.

 

If you’ve been accused of violating probation, act quickly. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney, gather supporting documentation, and prepare for your hearing. You still have rights, but you need the right advocate to defend them.

 

📞 Call (734) 263-2780 or schedule a consultation online today.

How to Restore Your Michigan Driver’s License After a DUI

Losing your license after a DUI is stressful—but it’s not the end of the road.

In Michigan, a second OWI conviction within seven years leads to automatic license revocation. To get your driving privileges back, you’ll need to go through the driver’s license reinstatement process—a detailed, time-sensitive, and often confusing legal journey.

 

Attorney Dan Geherin, founder of Geherin Law Group in Ann Arbor, has helped hundreds of drivers successfully reinstate their licenses after DUI-related revocations. His experience as a former prosecutor and license appeals attorney gives clients a powerful advantage.

 

Here’s how the reinstatement process works:

• Eligibility Review – Know when you can apply (after a mandatory revocation period).
• DAAD Hearing Preparation – You’ll need documentation showing at least 12 months of sobriety, community support, and a commitment to remaining alcohol-free.
• Substance Use Evaluation – A certified counselor must complete and submit a professional evaluation.
• Letters of Support – At least 3–6 support letters from friends, family, or coworkers are required.
• Hearing Representation – At the hearing, Geherin presents evidence and testimony to demonstrate readiness for reinstatement.

 

Read more on our website!

 

Whether you're applying for a restricted license with an interlock device or full reinstatement, Geherin Law Group, PLLC. provides step-by-step guidance to maximize your chances of success.

 

🚗 Ready to get back on the road? Contact us today and ask about Michigan license reinstatement services.

5 Proven DUI Defense Strategies Every Michigan Driver Should Know

Facing a DUI charge in Michigan? You still have options. A DUI (or OWI) arrest doesn’t have to derail your future. Attorney Dan Geherin—an experienced criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor—has spent over 25 years helping Michigan drivers fight OWI charges and protect their rights seeking driver's license reinstatement in Michigan. 

Here are five of the most effective DUI defense strategies his team uses to help clients avoid the worst-case scenario:

1. Was the Stop Legal?

Police need reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the initial stop wasn’t lawful, the entire case might be compromised. This is one of the first things Geherin Law Group investigates.

2. Field Sobriety Tests: Are They Reliable?

Fatigue, anxiety, or even uneven pavement can affect performance on field sobriety tests. We challenge both the validity of the tests and how they were administered.

3. Breath and Blood Test Accuracy

Testing devices must be calibrated and procedures must be followed precisely. If not, the BAC results could be thrown out.

4. Reviewing the Officer’s Conduct

Police reports don’t always tell the full story. Inconsistencies between bodycam footage and written reports can be powerful evidence in your favor.

5. Exploring Alternatives to Conviction

For first-time offenders, options like Sobriety Court or deferred sentencing may be available—and Attorney Dan Geherin works hard to secure these outcomes for his clients.

 

Read more on our website!

 

Don't navigate this alone. If you've been charged with OWI in Michigan, reach out to a team that knows how to fight for you—and win.

 

📞 Contact Geherin Law Group today for a free DUI defense consultation.