Things to Know About Speeding Citations

Quam Amoa, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada has several questions about a speeding citation he received while traveling near Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

In his email, Quam explains when he was issued the speeding citation and he did not understand how to pay for the speeding citation.  The officer suggested he make a court date, which Quam did, but Quam did not attend the court date.  Quam is asking, how can he now take care of the citation and what are the repercussions if he does not take care of the speeding citation and wants to drive in Michigan again.

Quam’s current situation is a perfect example of what not to do when issued a citation.  If you’re responsible for the violation, pay the fine.  If you think you are not responsible, setup an informal hearing and you and the officer can discuss the citation in front of a magistrate or judge who will make a determination of responsibility.

Do not miss the informal hearing date because the court will automatically make you responsible for the citation and you will have to pay the fine.  If you do not pay the fine, the court will suspend your license. 

If you operate your vehicle while your license is suspended, and you are stopped by a Trooper, at the minimum, you would receive a citation.  You may also have your car impounded and/or you may go to jail.  Driving while your license is suspended is a misdemeanor crime and is explained in MCL 257.904.  And if you’re wondering, yes you will have your fingerprints taken and driving while license suspended will appear as a criminal record.

Quam should contact the court listed on the citation and advise them what happened and find out what options he may have to correct this situation.  He may be able to setup another hearing or he may need to pay the fine.  If your vehicle operating privileges were suspended you may need to contact the Michigan Secretary of State to pay a reinstatement fee.

Also, just because a person has a drivers license from another country or state, if they’re issued a citation in Michigan and do not take care of that citation, their driving privileges are suspended in Michigan. 

This means if they are stopped in Michigan they can be arrested for driving on a suspended license.  If their home state/province has a reciprocal agreement with the State of Michigan, the Michigan Secretary of State may also contact their home state/province and have their driving privileges suspended there until the citation in Michigan is settled.

Recently, I observed a dad demonstrating to his young son how we may need to sometimes help people we don’t know.  The dad I observed was requested by a gentleman’s wife for assistance involving her husband.  The requested assistance was a little out of the ordinary, but needed. 

The dad assisted the couple, with his young son observing.  I was near and could hear his son asking, “what cha doing dad?” and the dad explains, “sometimes we need to help people.” 

The son then asks, “Why?”   

Dad says, “Because that’s what we do when people ask for help.” His son shakes his head and says, “OK.” 

Kids are always watching us, and good parents, demonstrating good values most often equal good kids.