Reforms to Driver Responsibility Fees Moves

Liz Gullett

Feb 16, 2018

After much debate, the legislature moved forward with a package of House and Senate bills reforming driver responsibility fees in Michigan beginning October 1, 2018. The legislation also creates a grace period from enactment of the bill through December 31 that enables a driver to get their driver’s license back without paying a $125 fee restoration fee. People on monthly payment plans will receive immediate forgiveness, and others may participate in workplace development training programs to regain their driver’s license prior to October 1. The bills will be sent to Governor Rick Snyder for consideration.

The legislature had been working to find a solution to end the driver responsibility fees for months. For some Michigan residents the costs to pay the fees were too high, adding to that a loss of driver’s license, leading to a lack of transportation to work. Without a way to get to their job, residents would face further financial hardship, exasperating the problem. The final agreement between the legislature and the governor was made as a part of an overall agreement also containing an increase to the state personal tax exemption.

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