Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2020-47. This order temporarily extends the time within which certain Michigan drivers can renew their vehicle registration or driver’s licenses. 

While the order instructs that drivers are to use the online Michigan Secretary of State services to the extent possible to renew their licenses or registrations, it is clear in the order that driving on a license which has expired or will expire between February 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020 will not constitute a violation of the Michigan Vehicle Code. Specifically, the order states that “Law enforcement officials must not arrest any person nor impound any vehicle as a result of a vehicle registration, operator’s license, or chauffer’s license that expired on or after February 1, 2020. The Department of State must not assess a late fee at renewal for a license or registration that expired between February 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020, so long as renewal occurs by June 30, 2020.” 

However, nothing in the order denies the SOS the ability to suspend licenses for violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code, and it does not help drivers’ whose licenses were already suspended. There are other specific provisions regarding those who have medical certification requirements connected to their license and for those who operate commercial vehicles. 

Read the whole order here: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-525924--,00.html

As always, call Barberi Law if you have any questions related to your rights during this ongoing pandemic.

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