LANSING (WWJ) -- New laws taking effect today will help thousands of drivers in Michigan.
As of October 1, the state will no longer suspend driver’s licenses for issues unrelated to driving safety.
Prior to the change, drivers could have their licenses suspended for non-driving issues, such as missing court appointments or unpaid fees.
The laws were approved by the state legislature last year as part of the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration. The bill was spearheaded by Rep. Bronna Kahle (R-Adrian).
"We've created all these unnecessary barriers that prevent people from driving: high insurance rates, driver responsibility fees, and license suspensions for unpaid tickets,” Kahle said in a statement. “In Michigan, people need to drive to work, and the legislature is taking huge steps now to make that possible."
These 12 violations will no longer result in having a driver's license suspended:
-Open Intoxicants in Vehicle
-Open Intoxicants in Vehicle (Passenger)
-Person Under 21 Transport/Possess in Vehicle
-Person Under 21 Transport/Possess in Vehicle (Passenger)
-MIP (Person Under 21 Purchase/Consume/Possess Liquor)
-Failure to Comply with Civil Infraction
-Person Under 21 Used Fraudulent ID to Purchase Liquor
-Sold/Furnished Alcoholic Liquor to a Person Under 21
-MIP (Person Under 21 Purchase/Consume/Possess Liquor)
-Felonious Driving
-Controlled Substance
-False Report or Threat of Bomb/Harmful Device (School)
More than 73,000 drivers will have their records changed, and about half will be able to get a new license or use their existing license immediately.
Impacted drivers will be notified via letter if they are eligible, according to the Michigan Department of State.
More details can be found at www.Michigan.gov/SOSCleanSlate
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