I have been practicing law in Michigan for over 25 years, specializing in handling traffic offenses for truck drivers.

The Michigan Secretary of State’s role in the Driver License Compact is to share information about driving records, convictions, and other relevant data with other member states. This allows for the reporting of traffic violations between states.

If you are a truck driver and receive a traffic ticket in Michigan that carries points, it will most likely appear on your home state’s driving record—even if you reside in Canada.

No Need to Appear for Most Civil Infractions

Most courts allow me to appear on your behalf for civil infraction tickets, as long as you give me permission to do so. I will always be available by cell phone to update you and involve you in the negotiations.

Common CDL Civil Infraction Offenses:

  • Speeding
  • Improper lane use
  • Failure to stop within an assured clear distance
  • Stop sign violation
  • Disregarding a traffic control device
  • Overweight
  • Misload
  • Defective equipment
  • Use of a handheld mobile device
  • Texting while operating a commercial motor vehicle
  • Use of a handheld phone while operating a commercial motor vehicle
  • Logbook violation
  • Driving without due care and caution
  • Seat belt violation
  • Following too closely
  • Truck over height, width, or length
  • Careless driving
  • No medical card
  • Placard violation
  • Bypassing a scale
  • Failure to signal

Truckers: Make sure your loads are secured. A violation for a spilled or unsecured load in Michigan is a criminal offense (misdemeanor).

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) & CSA Scoring

Some violations may not carry points on your driving record but do carry CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) points through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The FMCSA, established by the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000, aims to prevent motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. Its enforcement of safety regulations helps ensure safe motor carrier operations.

If a police officer provides you with a separate roadside inspection report containing CSA violations, sign up with DataQ at dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov to contest these violations. CSA points can increase insurance rates and make it harder to secure employment.

Please visit the website for more information on disputing CSA points. The DataQ system, established in February 2004, generates Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores for public viewing and stores data for a driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) and motor carrier audit results.

If you receive both a traffic offense and a CSA violation for the same incident, I may be able to amend the traffic charge to a non-safety-related offense. You can then submit proof of the amended charge to DataQ, and the CSA points may be removed.

Protect your CDL, protect your job, and keep insurance rates low.
Call (248) 357-3000 or text me at (248) 227-9101 to discuss your citation, and I will offer a free, detailed consultation so you understand your rights.