If you’re still under the gun to pay Driver Responsibility Fees in Michigan, but heard that the law has been revoked, you might be wondering what comes next. Well, the Michigan Department of Treasury has finally set the record straight as to how it all works.
Any Michigan resident affected by the Driver Responsibility Fee Law will be relieved of their outstanding fees starting this month according to the folks at Treasury.
Beginning on March 31st, those who entered into a payment plan on or before February 1st, 2018, will have their outstanding Driver Responsibility Fees eliminated. If there are no additional license actions pending, affected individuals may be able to reinstate their driver’s license without paying a reinstatement fee on March 31st.
State Treasurer Nick Khouri says, “Driver Responsibility Fee relief is here.” He adds, “We are working collaboratively with other state agencies to identify and inform individuals affected by the new state law changes.”
Individuals who did not enter into a payment plan on or before February 1, 2018, are still responsible for paying their Driver Responsibility Fees. For payment plan options, affected persons are asked to contact the state Treasury Department at 1-800-950-6227.
Once entered into a payment plan, individuals who have no additional license actions pending may be eligible to reinstate their driver’s license without paying a reinstatement fee through December 31, 2018. Some individuals may participate in a qualified Workforce Development Program in lieu of payment beginning on March 31st.
All Driver Responsibility Fees will be completely relieved and no further payments will be collected after October 1, 2018.
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson says, “Driver Responsibility Fees were an unnecessary financial burden on Michigan drivers that did nothing to enhance traffic safety.” Johnson says, “Since my time in the Legislature, and now, as Secretary of State, I have argued that this law should be abolished. That day is here and drivers can finally find relief. If anyone has any questions about their particular situation, a call line is available through the Department of Treasury and my office to assist you.”
Eligible drivers can contact the Michigan Department of State for additional information regarding reinstating driving privileges at 1-888-767-6424.
If a driver’s license was suspended for other violations—such as failure to appear in court or driving on a suspended license—those must be cleared before reinstatement.
More information about Driver Responsibility Fee relief, including a list of frequently asked questions, is available at www.michigan.gov/driverresponsibility.
