The Serious Consequences of Driving Without a Valid License in Michigan

Driving without a valid license in Michigan is far more serious than many drivers realize. Whether your license was suspended, revoked, or never issued, the penalties can include steep fines, jail time, and long-term consequences that follow you for years.

A first offense for driving while license suspended or revoked (DWLS/DWLR) is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and $500 in fines. Repeat offenses can result in up to one year in jail, $1,000 in fines, and even vehicle impoundment. Because these are criminal offenses—not civil infractions—they remain on your record and cannot be expunged under Michigan law.

 

Even drivers who have never been issued a license can face up to 90 days in jail and additional fines. Beyond the courtroom, a conviction can impact employment opportunities, insurance costs, and your ability to legally operate a vehicle in the future.

 

If your license has been suspended or revoked, your best option is to begin the process of driver’s license restoration in Michigan as soon as possible. Acting early can help you avoid further penalties and put you back on the path toward lawful driving.

 

Need help restoring your driving privileges? Contact Dan Geherin, a Michigan attorney experienced in driver’s license restoration to discuss your options and get started today.

Avoid These Common Mistakes in Your Substance Abuse Evaluation

When it comes to driver’s license restoration in Michigan, many applicants make the same mistakes during their substance abuse evaluation—mistakes that can cost them another year without driving privileges. 

Some of the most common pitfalls include:

• Minimizing past alcohol or drug use
• Giving inconsistent information compared to treatment records or support letters
• Failing to show a support system like counseling or recovery groups
• Treating the evaluation as casual instead of a critical part of your appeal

 

These red flags can make hearing officers doubt your credibility or commitment to sobriety. The good news? With the right preparation, you can avoid these mistakes and present yourself in the strongest possible light. Learn more about the role of substance abuse evaluations in license appeals here.

 

We help clients prepare for every aspect of the license appeal process, including substance abuse evaluations. Contact us today to get started on your path back to the road!

Why Substance Abuse Evaluations Are the Key to License Appeals

Losing your driver’s license after an alcohol- or drug-related offense can turn your daily routine upside down. For many people seeking driver’s license restoration in Michigan, one of the most important hurdles to clear is the substance abuse evaluation.

This evaluation isn’t just a formality—it’s crucial for your appeal. The Michigan Secretary of State requires it, and hearing officers depend on the evaluator’s report to determine whether you’ve taken meaningful steps toward recovery. A strong evaluation demonstrates that you’ve addressed your past issues and that you’re committed to driving safely in the future.

 

If you’re preparing for a license appeal, don’t underestimate this step. From documenting your sobriety to ensuring your statements are consistent with your records, preparation is key. Learn more about the role of substance abuse evaluations in license appeals here.

 

Need help getting ready? Contact us today to learn how our team can guide you through the process and help strengthen your case.

Key Steps for Michigan CDL License Restoration

If your Commercial Driver’s License has been suspended or revoked, you face unique challenges in regaining your ability to drive professionally. In Michigan, CDL holders must meet state requirements and comply with FMCSA regulations before getting back on the road.

The license restoration process often involves:

1. Completing all eligibility requirements – such as driver safety courses, fines, and proof of financial responsibility.
2. Requesting a formal hearing – most cases require presenting evidence before the Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (OHAO).
3. Addressing CDL-specific requirements – including retaking CDL exams, meeting medical certification standards, and passing drug and alcohol testing.

 

For alcohol-related offenses, drivers must often show at least one year of complete sobriety, along with letters of support and proof of rehabilitation efforts.

 

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

 

Because the stakes are so high for commercial drivers, working with an attorney experienced in Driver’s license restoration in Michigan can greatly improve the odds of success. The right guidance ensures you meet every requirement—state and federal—so you can return to work with confidence. Contact us today!

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.