Minimum Driving Age
- Learner’s Permit (Level 1 License): Available at age 14 years and 9 months after enrollment in an approved driver education course (Segment 1).
- Intermediate License (Level 2 License): Eligible at age 16, after holding a Level 1 license for at least 6 months, completing 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 at night), and passing a road test.
- Full License (Level 3 License): Available at age 17, after maintaining a clean record for 12 months under a Level 2 license.
Learner’s Permit Rules (Level 1 License)
- Supervision: Must be accompanied by a licensed parent, legal guardian, or designated adult (21+) seated in the front passenger seat.
- Driving Hours: Must complete 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night.
- Cell Phone Use: Prohibited, even hands-free, for all drivers under 18.
License Types
- Level 1 License: Learner’s permit for new drivers under 18.
- Level 2 License: Intermediate license with restrictions.
- Level 3 License: Full license with no restrictions.
- Operator’s License: Standard license for drivers 18 and older.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for large or commercial vehicles.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Needed to legally operate a motorcycle.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a Michigan license or permit, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity: Birth certificate, U.S. passport, etc.
- Social Security Number: SSN card or W-2 form.
- Proof of Michigan Residency: Utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
- Parental Consent: Required for drivers under 18.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Seatbelts: Required for all front-seat passengers and all passengers under 16.
- Child Restraints:
- Under 4 years: Must be in a rear seat in a car seat, unless all rear seats are occupied by other children under 4.
- 4–8 years (or under 4’9″): Must use a booster seat.
- 8+ years (or taller than 4’9″): May use a regular seatbelt.
- Under 4 years: Must be in a rear seat in a car seat, unless all rear seats are occupied by other children under 4.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Texting While Driving: Banned for all drivers.
- Handheld Devices: New laws (2023) prohibit all handheld phone use while driving, including calling, texting, or using social media.
- Under 18 (Graduated License holders): No cellphone use, even with hands-free devices.
OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) Laws
- Legal BAC Limit: 0.08% for drivers 21+, and zero tolerance (0.02 BAC) for drivers under 21.
- First Offense:
- Fine: Up to $500.
- Jail: Up to 93 days.
- Community Service: Up to 360 hours.
- License Suspension: 30 days + restrictions for 150 days.
- Points: 6 points on driving record.
- Fine: Up to $500.
Speed Limits
- Rural Freeways: Up to 75 mph.
- Urban Freeways: Typically 55–70 mph.
- Highways: Generally 55 mph unless otherwise posted.
- Residential Areas: 25 mph.
- School Zones: 25 mph when children are present.
Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws
- Reckless Driving: Defined as operating a vehicle in a way that demonstrates a willful disregard for safety.
- Penalties:
- First Offense: Up to 93 days in jail, $500 fine, and possible license suspension.
- Serious incidents (causing injury or death) may result in felony charges.
- First Offense: Up to 93 days in jail, $500 fine, and possible license suspension.
Points System
Michigan uses a points-based system:
- Minor violations: 2–3 points.
- Major violations (e.g., reckless driving): 6 points.
- Accumulating 12 or more points can lead to an evaluation and potential license suspension.
Insurance Requirements
Minimum liability insurance coverage:
- Bodily Injury: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident.
- Property Damage: $10,000 per accident.
- No-Fault Insurance: Required—covers personal injury regardless of fault.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal: Every 4 years.
- Vision Test: Required at renewal.
- Reexamination: May be required for medical conditions or poor driving history.
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