The following information is updated periodically. However, laws and regulations can change between updates. State statutes and local ordinances are the ultimate authorities for these issues.

How To Fight A Michigan Ticket
Michigan Motorist Legislation
Michigan Motorist Goals
Michigan Motorist Issues

Points of Interest

• It's a felony to transport more than $50 worth of cigarettes into Michigan.
• Most Michigan city-street speed limits were invalidated by a 2006 law, but signs remain unchanged and tickets continue to be issued in most cities.
• Michigan's "keep right except to pass" law applies only on freeways with two lanes in each direction, and not on freeways with three or more lanes.
• Conviction for failure to show proof of insurance can carry a surtax of $400 or $1,000. (This does not apply to out-of-state drivers, but $1,000 surtaxes for operating with a suspended license and $2,000 surtaxes for DWI convictions do.)

Speed Limits

Rural Interstates: Cars 70, Trucks 60
Urban Interstates: Cars 70, Trucks 60
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 70, Trucks 60
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)

Unposted roads are a default 55 mph, except that unposted streets within subdivisions are 25 mph.

Absolute (Exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se--regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions): State highways (I, US, and M routes) and almost all county roads (all non-state roads outside cities and some major roads within cities)
Presumed (Driving faster than the speed limit is only evidence of unreasonable speed--you can still argue that your speed was safe under the specific conditions): Speed limits on city streets

Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: Yes
Automated Speed Enforcement: No
Aircraft: No
Laser: Yes

Ticket Payment Options
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts

Trial By Declaration Allowed
No

Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: No
Parking: No
Equipment: No
DWI: Yes

Member of Nonresident Compact
No

Member of Driver License Compact
No

When and Where to File Accident Reports
The driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident that injures or kills any person, or that damages property to an apparent extent totaling $1,000.00 or more, shall immediately report that accident at the nearest or most convenient police station, or to the nearest or most convenient police officer.

(Michigan Statute 257.622, http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28ahaxhbbu0dsi2y45k42uz1mu%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-257-622)

Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $20,000
All injuries: $40,000
Property Damage: $10,000
Michigan is a "no-fault" state

Phone Restrictions
Novice Drivers: Teens with probationary licenses whose cell phone usage contributes to a traffic crash or ticket may not use a cell phone while driving.
School Bus Drivers: No special restrictions
All Drivers: Text-messaging prohibited, using primary enforcement
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html)

Other Regulations

• Open intoxicants are prohibited in the vehicle.
• The BAC level is .08 percent.
• Michigan has an administrative license suspension law and an implied consent law. The breathalyzer refusal penalty is a 6-month driver's license suspension.
• The second conviction for any alcohol-related offense within 7 years is treated as a felony (including non-driving-related convictions).
• Long guns must be transported unloaded and encased or contained in the trunk; hand guns may not be carried in a vehicle without a license to carry.
• Studded tires are technically permitted, if they meet the standards adopted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). At this time, there are no tires that meet those standards.
• Tire chains are not required.
• Michigan has a seat-belt law with primary enforcement for all front-seat occupants and all rear-seat occupants under 16 years of age, although passengers in excess of the number of seat belts need not wear belts. Children under age 4 must be in approved safety seats.
• Michigan has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law.
• Registration and insurance card must be carried in the vehicle.

General Information
http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/services/dirs/tlinks.htm#district (Michigan Courts)
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: 911