© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Michigan Knocks Judge Over Major Driver's License Decision

Police Lights
publicdomainpictures

The state of Michigan says a judge issued a confusing, vague order that blocks officials from suspending driver's licenses of people who can't afford traffic fines.

In a court filing Tuesday, the secretary of state asked federal Judge Linda Parker to freeze her injunction while the agency appeals. The state says it is a "deep, unwarranted intrusion" into Michigan's police powers.

The judge last week said there's a strong likelihood that the due process rights of poor people are being violated. A civil rights group, Equal Justice Under Law, says Michigan doesn't distinguish between people who intentionally skip paying fines and others who can't pay.

The state says it will "take months" to alter computer systems at local courts to follow the injunction.

Related Content
WKAR’s first live pledge drive since federal funding was eliminated is happening now. Our goal for the drive is $60,000 and reaching it will bring us one step closer to closing the federal funding gap.
Your support helps keep trusted journalism, classical music, and educational programming freely available for everyone in our community.
How can you help? Become a sustaining donor today. Already a sustainer? Please consider increasing your monthly contribution.