Thursday, May 1, 2025

Michigan Driver’s License Suspensions vs. Revocations—What’s the Difference?

licensing lawyer Ann Arbor

Losing your Michigan driver’s license can be a major disruption, affecting your job, family responsibilities, and daily routine. But before you can regain your driving privileges, it’s important to understand whether your license has been 
suspended or revoked, as the process for reinstatement varies significantly.

Suspensions: Temporary Loss with a Clear End Date

 

suspension means your license is temporarily invalid for a specific period. Once the suspension ends, you typically need to pay a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. Suspensions often result from:

 

  • Accumulating too many traffic violations
  • Failing to pay fines or child support
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Refusing a breath test (leading to a one-year suspension)

 

Revocations: A More Severe Penalty

 

revocation is more serious—your license is not just temporarily suspended but completely terminated. You must prove to the state that you deserve reinstatement, which involves:

 

  • A formal hearing with the Michigan Department of State
  • Submitting extensive documentation (e.g., substance abuse evaluations)
  • Providing witness statements to demonstrate responsible behavior

 

Common reasons for revocation include multiple DUI offenses or serious traffic incidents causing injury or death. Unlike suspensions, revocations don’t have a set expiration date—restoring your license requires proving you’re fit to drive again.

 

Read more on our website!

 

Contact a Licensing Lawyer in Ann Arbor for Help!

 

If your license has been revoked or suspended, a licensing lawyer in Ann Arbor can help make all the difference. We specialize in helping Michigan drivers regain their driving privileges. Contact us today to learn about your options and take the first step toward reinstatement!

 

Listen to our latest podcast the Michigan Justice Chronicles here.

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