Is a Speeding Ticket in Michigan a Misdemeanor?

_{August 24, 2025 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Legal}

Is a speeding ticket in Michigan a misdemeanor? Understand whether a speeding ticket in Michigan counts as a misdemeanor. This article explains the difference between civil infractions and misdemeanors, along with possible penalties and consequences.

Table of Contents

Is a speeding ticket in Michigan a misdemeanor?

1. Traffic Violations vs. Criminal Offenses

Most speeding tickets in Michigan are considered civil infractions or minor traffic violations, not criminal offenses.
They usually result in fines and points on your driving record, but do not carry jail time.

2. Exceptions: Excessive Speed or Reckless Driving

If you are driving extremely fast (e.g., 25+ mph over the limit in a highway zone or 35+ mph over in a residential area), it may be charged as “reckless driving” under MCL 257.626.
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor, which can carry:
- Fines up to $500
- Possible jail time (up to 93 days for a first offense)
- Points on your license

3. Key Takeaways

Standard speeding tickets → Civil infractions, not misdemeanors
Extreme speeding or dangerous driving → Could escalate to a misdemeanor (reckless driving)
Always check your ticket and the Michigan Vehicle Code section cited, as that determines the seriousness.

In Michigan, a typical speeding ticket is not a misdemeanor. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Traffic Violations vs. Criminal Offenses

Most speeding tickets in Michigan are considered civil infractions or minor traffic violations, not criminal offenses.
They usually result in fines and points on your driving record, but do not carry jail time.

2. Exceptions: Excessive Speed or Reckless Driving

If you are driving extremely fast (e.g., 25+ mph over the limit in a highway zone or 35+ mph over in a residential area), it may be charged as “reckless driving” under MCL 257.626.
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor, which can carry:
- Fines up to $500
- Possible jail time (up to 93 days for a first offense)
- Points on your license

3. Key Takeaways

Standard speeding tickets → Civil infractions, not misdemeanors
Extreme speeding or dangerous driving → Could escalate to a misdemeanor (reckless driving)
Always check your ticket and the Michigan Vehicle Code section cited, as that determines the seriousness.

Speeding Violation	Fine Range	Points on License	Misdemeanor Risk	Notes
1–10 mph over limit	$10–$50	1 point	No	Standard minor traffic violation
11–15 mph over limit	$25–$75	2 points	No	Still a civil infraction
16–19 mph over limit	$35–$125	3 points	No	Typical speeding ticket
20–25 mph over limit	$50–$150	4 points	Possible	May be considered reckless driving if in a residential area
26+ mph over limit	$75–$500+	6 points	Yes	Likely charged as reckless driving, a misdemeanor
Speeding in school/residential zone	Increased fines	2–6 points	Possible	Extreme cases may be treated as reckless driving

Key Notes:

Standard speeding tickets are usually civil infractions, not misdemeanors.
Reckless driving occurs when speeding is excessive or dangerous, leading to a misdemeanor charge.
Accumulating points may lead to license suspension even without a misdemeanor.

Understanding Speeding Tickets in Michigan

Getting a speeding ticket in Michigan means you've received a citation for a civil infraction, which is a non-criminal offense. The ticket will specify the fine amount and the number of points that will be added to your driving record upon conviction. Fines and points vary based on how fast you were going over the speed limit. For example, speeding 1-5 MPH over the limit typically results in fewer points and a lower fine compared to going 26+ MPH over the limit, which can lead to more significant penalties. These points stay on your driving record for two years from the date of conviction and can impact your insurance premiums.

Differences Between Infractions and Misdemeanors

In Michigan, traffic violations are categorized as either civil infractions or criminal offenses, with the most common criminal traffic offenses being misdemeanors.

Civil Infractions: Most speeding tickets fall into this category. They are non-criminal, meaning they do not result in a criminal record or jail time. The penalties are generally limited to fines and points on your driving record. You can often resolve a civil infraction by simply paying the fine.
Misdemeanors: These are criminal offenses that can carry more serious consequences. A misdemeanor traffic violation can result in fines, points, and even jail time. Examples include reckless driving, driving without a valid license, or operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Misdemeanors will also appear on your criminal record, which can have long-term consequences for employment and other areas of your life.

Legal Consequences of Traffic Violations

The consequences of a speeding ticket can extend beyond the initial fine.

Points on Your Driving Record: As points accumulate, you face increased scrutiny from the Michigan Secretary of State. If you accumulate 12 points within a two-year period, your license may be suspended, and you could be required to retake a driving exam.
Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies view points as an indicator of a higher-risk driver. A single speeding ticket can cause your insurance rates to increase for several years. In extreme cases, a provider might drop your coverage.
License Suspension or Revocation: While a single speeding ticket won't usually cause this, accumulating too many points or committing a serious criminal traffic offense can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges.

How to Contest a Speeding Ticket

If you believe a speeding ticket was issued in error or under unjust circumstances, you have the right to challenge it.

Plead Not Responsible: You must notify the court listed on your ticket within the specified timeframe (usually 10 business days) that you intend to deny responsibility.
Choose a Hearing Type: You will be given the option of an informal or formal hearing.
- Informal Hearing: Held before a magistrate or judge, with you and the police officer presenting your case. Attorneys are not permitted for either side.
- Formal Hearing: Held before a judge, with a prosecuting attorney representing the state. You have the right to hire your own attorney to represent you.
Potential Defenses: Common defenses may include questioning the calibration of the radar or laser device, providing evidence that contradicts the officer's observations, or identifying errors on the ticket itself. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to have the ticket reduced to a less serious offense or a non-moving violation, which can help you avoid points.

Tips to Avoid Future Violations

The best way to deal with a speeding ticket is to avoid getting one in the first place.

Obey Posted Speed Limits: This is the most straightforward way to prevent a ticket. Be aware of the speed limit in your current location, especially in school zones and construction zones where limits are often lower.
Practice Defensive Driving: Stay alert and focused on the road. Be aware of your surroundings, and avoid distractions like using your phone, eating, or adjusting the radio.
Know Your Car: Be aware of your vehicle's speed and don't rely solely on your perception. Use cruise control on highways to maintain a consistent, legal speed.
Take a Driver Improvement Course: Michigan offers a Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) for eligible drivers who have received a minor civil infraction. Completing this course can help prevent points from being added to your driving record, although you are still responsible for paying the associated fines and costs.