Michigan Reckless Driving Laws: Penalties, Points and Felonies (2026)

Michigan makes reckless driving a crime under MCL 257.626: driving "in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property" is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. The same section makes it a felony of up to 5 years when the driving causes serious impairment of a body function to another person and up to 15 years when it causes a death, and a misdemeanor conviction carries 6 points and a mandatory 90-day license suspension.

Information last verified on 2026-10-25. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL Chapter 257) provisions on reckless driving, careless driving, speed, drag racing, the related points, suspensions and revocations, and driving without a valid license, plus the fleeing and eluding statutes. It does not cover drunk driving penalties (see Michigan DUI laws), manslaughter (see Michigan manslaughter laws), leaving the scene of a crash (see Michigan hit-and-run laws), city or township ordinances, or federal and commercial-driver rules beyond a short note. For other states, see reckless driving laws by state.

What is reckless driving in Michigan?

Reckless driving is defined in one section, MCL 257.626. Subsection (1) names the offense, and subsection (2) states what it prohibits:

"(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond or other place open to the general public, including, but not limited to, an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both." MCL 257.626(2)

The offense has two parts: operating a vehicle in one of the listed places, and doing so in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. The statute does not say "recklessly." Its mental state is willful or wanton disregard.

Where the law applies

The reckless driving section is not limited to public roads. It covers:

• a highway;
• a frozen public lake, stream, or pond; and
• any "other place open to the general public," which the statute says includes "an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles."

The careless driving section (257.626b) and the drag racing section (257.626a) use similar place language, so all three reach parking lots that are open to the public.

What the Michigan Supreme Court has said about the mental state

In People v. Fredell, No. 164098 (Mich. Dec. 26, 2024), a unanimous opinion by Justice Viviano, the Michigan Supreme Court set out the elements of reckless driving causing death under MCL 257.626(4):

"(1) the defendant operated a motor vehicle on a highway or other place open to the public, (2) the defendant operated a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, and (3) by the operation of that vehicle caused the death of another person."

The court held that "the mens rea requirement for reckless driving causing death, willful or wanton disregard, is the same as the mens rea requirement for involuntary manslaughter, criminal gross negligence." In a footnote, the court added: "The Legislature used the same mens rea for violations of MCL 257.626(2), (3), and (4)," with the offenses differing by whether the driving harmed a person and how severely.

Is reckless driving a misdemeanor or a felony in Michigan?

Both, depending on the result of the driving. Section 257.626 has three tiers.

The two felony tiers apply to conduct "Beginning October 31, 2010," the date the current structure of the section took effect. For sentencing guidelines purposes, MCL 777.12g lists reckless driving causing serious impairment as a Class E crime against a person with a 5-year statutory maximum, and reckless driving causing death as a Class C crime against a person with a 15-year statutory maximum.

Vehicle forfeiture and immobilization after a felony conviction

For both felony tiers, Section 257.626(3) and (4) provide that "The judgment of sentence may impose the sanction permitted under section 625n," the vehicle forfeiture section, and that "If the vehicle is not ordered forfeited under section 625n, the court shall order vehicle immobilization under section 904d in the judgment of sentence." Section 257.904d(1)(a), the immobilization section, is worded differently: for a conviction under 626(3) or (4), "the court may order vehicle immobilization for not more than 180 days."

The jury instruction rule in death cases

Section 257.626(5) provides: "In a prosecution under subsection (4), the jury shall not be instructed regarding the crime of moving violation causing death."

That separate crime, MCL 257.601d, applies when any moving violation is "the proximate cause of the death of another person." It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. A conviction under 601d carries 6 points (257.320a) and a 1-year suspension by the Secretary of State (257.319(2)(e)). A moving violation that causes serious impairment of a body function to another person is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days, a fine of up to $500, or both (257.601d(2)). Section 257.601d(3) states that it "does not prohibit the person from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law."

How fast is reckless driving in Michigan?

No Michigan statute makes a particular speed reckless driving. Section 257.626 has no speed element, and none of the subsections of the speed section, MCL 257.627, sets a reckless-driving speed or a criminal speeding tier.

The general rule is the basic speed law in 257.627(1):

"An individual operating a vehicle on a highway shall operate that vehicle at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the highway and of any other condition existing at the time. An individual shall not operate a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than that which will permit a stop within the assured, clear distance ahead." MCL 257.627(1)

The statute says a violation of that subsection "shall be known and may be referred to as a violation of the basic speed law or 'VBSL'." In work zones where a lane has been closed for construction, maintenance or surveying, the limit is 45 mph unless a different limit is set for that zone (257.627(6)). For automated enforcement questions, see Michigan traffic camera tickets.

The Fredell opinion addressed the elements and mental state of the offense; it did not decide whether speed on its own meets the willful or wanton standard.

Careless driving in Michigan

Careless driving is a lesser, noncriminal violation. MCL 257.626b provides:

"A person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond or other place open to the general public including an area designated for the parking of vehicles in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property, but without wantonness or recklessness, is responsible for a civil infraction." MCL 257.626b

The difference from reckless driving is the mental state: careless or negligent driving "without wantonness or recklessness." Because it is a civil infraction, it is not a crime. Under MCL 257.907, the civil fine for a Vehicle Code civil infraction is generally "not more than $100.00," and costs "must not be ordered in excess of $100.00." If the infraction was a moving violation that resulted in an at-fault collision, the fine "is increased by $25.00 but the total civil fine must not be more than $100.00." Section 257.907(1) adds that a civil infraction "must not be considered a lesser included offense of a criminal offense." Careless driving carries 3 points (257.320a).

Michigan's Vehicle Code has no separate aggressive-driving offense in its reckless and speed sections (257.626 to 257.630).

Reckless driving points and license consequences in Michigan

Points

MCL 257.320a assigns points when a conviction or civil infraction determination is entered:

When more than one conviction or determination results from the same incident, "points must be entered only for the violation that receives the highest number of points" (257.320a(5)). Section 257.320a was amended by 2026 PA 66, effective July 23, 2026; the point values for reckless driving, drag racing and careless driving are unchanged.

Under MCL 257.320, having "a total of 12 or more points as provided in section 320a within a period of 2 years" is a ground for the Secretary of State to investigate or reexamine a driver. The Secretary of State may then "restrict, suspend, revoke, or impose other terms and conditions on the license," but "A license shall not be suspended under this section for a period of more than 1 year" (257.320(2), (4)).

Mandatory 90-day suspension

A misdemeanor reckless driving conviction triggers a suspension that the statute makes mandatory. MCL 257.319(3) provides that "The secretary of state shall suspend the individual's license for 90 days" for listed crimes, including "beginning October 31, 2010, section 626(2)."

Revocation as a habitual offender

MCL 257.303(2) requires the Secretary of State to revoke the license of, and deny a license to, a driver with any of these records:

• Two misdemeanor reckless driving convictions within 7 years: "Any combination of 2 convictions within 7 years for reckless driving in violation of section 626 before October 31, 2010 or, beginning October 31, 2010, 626(2)" (257.303(2)(a)).
• One felony reckless driving conviction: one conviction for a violation or attempted violation of "section 626(3) or (4)" (257.303(2)(d)).

Except as provided in section 304, a revoked or denied license is not reissued until the later of at least 1 year after the revocation or denial, or at least 5 years after a subsequent revocation or denial within 7 years of a prior one (257.303(4)(a)), and the driver meets the department's requirements (257.303(4)(c)). For a denial based on two misdemeanor reckless convictions under 303(2)(a), the driver must also rebut "by clear and convincing evidence the presumption that results from the prima facie evidence that the individual is a habitual offender" (257.303(4)(b)). Drag racing under 257.626a is not on the 303(2) list.

Commercial driver's licenses

Under MCL 257.319b, "reckless driving" is a "serious traffic violation," and a commercial driver convicted of two serious traffic violations from separate incidents within 36 months while operating a commercial motor vehicle faces a 60-day suspension. Federal rule 49 C.F.R. 383.51 (Table 2) sets 60-day and 120-day disqualifications for a second and a third serious traffic violation within three years, and a conviction in a personal vehicle counts only if it results in the revocation, cancellation or suspension of the license or non-commercial driving privileges. On national park roads, 36 C.F.R. 4.2 adopts state traffic law; the reckless driving laws by state hub covers the federal layer.

Drag racing and speed contests in Michigan

MCL 257.626a(1) provides that a person shall not:

"(a) Operate a vehicle upon a highway, or any other place open to the general public, including an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles, in a speed or acceleration contest or drag race or to make a speed record. (b) Assist in a violation of subdivision (a)." MCL 257.626a(1)

The section defines a drag race as "the operation of 2 or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to out-distance each other over a common selected course or where timing is involved or where timing devices are used in competitive accelerations of speeds by participating vehicles" (257.626a(4)). Under 257.626a(2), the operation of two or more vehicles "either at speeds in excess of the prima facie lawfully established speed or rapidly accelerating from a common starting point to a speed in excess of the prima facie lawful speed is prima facie evidence of a drag race." The rules "do not apply within the Silver Lake State Park scramble area" (257.626a(3)).

Penalty. Section 257.626a contains no penalty clause. The Vehicle Code's general penalty section, MCL 257.901, provides that a violation of the act is a misdemeanor "unless that violation is by this act or other law of this state declared to be a felony or a civil infraction," and that, "Unless another penalty is provided," the punishment is "a fine of not more than $100.00, or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both." As the Vehicle Code default, that is the penalty range for drag racing. A drag racing conviction also carries 4 points (257.320a).

The reckless and speed sections of the Vehicle Code (257.626 to 257.630) contain no separate street-takeover or exhibition-of-speed offense; 257.626a is the racing section. When racing conduct also meets the willful or wanton standard, it falls within the general reckless driving section, 257.626.

Emergency vehicles

The only other rules-of-the-road provision written in terms of recklessness concerns police and emergency drivers. MCL 257.632 exempts vehicles operated "with due regard for safety under the direction of the police" in emergencies or pursuits from the speed limits, but "This exemption shall not however protect the driver of the vehicle from the consequences of a reckless disregard of the safety of others." Michigan's licensing and rules-of-the-road chapters do not deem other violations, such as failing to move over for an emergency vehicle or passing a school bus, to be reckless driving.

Fleeing and eluding police in Michigan

Michigan has two parallel fleeing and eluding statutes, MCL 750.479a in the Penal Code and MCL 257.602a in the Vehicle Code. Both punish willfully failing to stop for a uniformed officer's signal in four degrees, from fourth degree (the base offense) to first degree (a death results).

• Fourth-degree fleeing and eluding is "a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both" under 750.479a(2). The Vehicle Code version, 257.602a(2), sets the same 2-year maximum with a fine of not more than $500.
• Third-degree fleeing and eluding applies if the violation results in a collision or accident, part of it occurred where the speed limit is 35 mph or less, or the driver has a prior fourth-degree conviction: up to 5 years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both (750.479a(3)). The Vehicle Code version sets up to 5 years, a fine of up to $1,000, or both (257.602a(3)).
• Second-degree fleeing and eluding applies if the violation results in serious impairment of a body function (serious injury under 257.602a(4)), or the driver has a prior first-, second- or third-degree conviction or two or more prior fourth-degree convictions: up to 10 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both (750.479a(4)). The Vehicle Code version sets a fine of up to $5,000 (257.602a(4)).
• First-degree fleeing and eluding, where "the violation results in the death of another individual," is "a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of not more than $15,000.00, or both" (750.479a(5)). The Vehicle Code version sets a fine of up to $10,000 (257.602a(5)). A conviction under 750.479a(2) to (5) "prohibits a conviction under section 602a" for conduct arising out of the same transaction (750.479a(8)).
• License. For a conviction under 750.479a(2) or (3), "the secretary of state shall suspend the individual's operator's or chauffeur's license as provided in section 319" (750.479a(6)(a)), and section 319 sets that suspension at 1 year for 602a(2) or (3) and 479a(2) or (3) (257.319(2)(d)); for a conviction under 750.479a(4) or (5), "the secretary of state shall revoke" the license under section 303 (750.479a(7)(a)). Fleeing or eluding an officer carries 6 points (257.320a).

Is there a wet reckless in Michigan?

No Michigan statute creates a wet reckless, meaning an alcohol-related reckless driving plea. The reckless driving section says nothing about alcohol, and the drunk driving sections, MCL 257.625 through 257.625t, mention reckless driving only by cross-reference to the felony tiers in 257.626(3) and (4).

Those cross-references matter in two ways:

• Prior convictions. The drunk driving statute's definition of "prior conviction" includes "Section 601d or 626(3) or (4)." A misdemeanor reckless driving conviction under 626(2) is not on that list.
• Implied consent. Section 257.625c(1)(b) applies the chemical-test consent rule when "the person is arrested for a violation of section 601d, section 626(3) or (4), or manslaughter, or murder resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, and the peace officer had reasonable grounds to believe the person was operating the vehicle in violation of section 625."

The one plea rule in the drunk driving statute does not mention reckless driving. Section 257.625(16) provides that when a person is charged under listed subsections of 625 or under 625m, "the court shall not permit the defendant to enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a charge of violating subsection (6) in exchange for dismissal of the original charge," and that "This subsection does not prohibit the court from dismissing the charge on the prosecuting attorney's motion." For drunk driving penalties, see Michigan DUI laws.

Driving without a license in Michigan

No valid license. MCL 257.301(1) provides that "an individual shall not drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state unless that individual has a valid operator's or chauffeur's license with the appropriate group designation and indorsements for the type or class of vehicle being driven or towed."

License not in possession. MCL 257.311 requires a licensee to have the license, or the receipt described in section 311a, "in his or her immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle" and to display it on a police officer's demand. Section 257.311 does not state its own penalty, and no points are entered for it (257.320a(2)). Under MCL 257.901a, the court "shall waive any fine and costs" for a section 311 citation upon a law enforcement agency's certification that the person, before the appearance date, produced a license that "was valid on the date the violation of section 311 occurred."

Suspended, revoked, denied or never licensed. MCL 257.904(1) bars operating a motor vehicle "on a highway or other place open to the general public or generally accessible to motor vehicles, including an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles," by a person whose license or registration "has been suspended or revoked, whose application for license has been denied, or who has never applied for a license." The penalties in 257.904:

• First violation: a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days, a fine of up to $500, or both (257.904(3)(a)).
• Violation after a prior conviction: up to 1 year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both (257.904(3)(b)).
• Causing serious impairment: causing serious impairment of a body function of another individual is a felony punishable by up to 5 years, a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, or both (257.904(5)).
• Causing a death: a person who, by operating the vehicle in violation of the section, causes the death of another individual "is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of not less than $2,500.00 or more than $10,000.00, or both" (257.904(4)). Each of the two felonies "does not apply to an individual whose operator's or chauffeur's license was suspended because that individual failed to answer a citation or comply with an order or judgment under section 321a" (257.904(4)-(5)).

Section 257.904 has no separate tier for a suspension that followed a drunk driving conviction.

On receiving a record of a conviction for driving during a suspension of definite length, or before relicensing after a revocation, the Secretary of State "immediately shall impose an additional like period of suspension or revocation"; for driving during an indefinite suspension or after a denial, it imposes a 30-day period of suspension or denial (257.904(10)-(11)). Section 257.904(18) sets a once-in-a-lifetime exception from those added periods for a driver who has only one currently effective suspension or denial on the Michigan driving record under section 321a and whose violation occurred during that suspension or denial. Knowingly permitting an owned vehicle to be driven by a person whose license is suspended, revoked or denied, or who never applied, is the same misdemeanor (257.904(2)-(3)). Section 257.904(15) provides that the section does not apply to an individual who drives "solely for the purpose of protecting human life or property if the life or property is endangered and summoning prompt aid is essential."

Michigan reckless driving and related offenses: penalty table

The sections above set their own penalties, except drag racing. Where a Vehicle Code misdemeanor states no penalty, MCL 257.901(2) supplies the default of up to 90 days, a fine of up to $100, or both, and MCL 257.902 sets the default for a Vehicle Code felony with no stated penalty at 1 to 5 years or a fine of $500 to $5,000. The guidelines classes come from MCL 777.12g. For the full class table, see Michigan felony and misdemeanor classes.

Vehicular homicide in Michigan

Beyond reckless driving causing death (257.626(4)) and moving violation causing death (257.601d), the homicide offenses that can follow a fatal crash, including manslaughter, are covered on the Michigan manslaughter laws page.

Recent changes to Michigan reckless driving laws

• 2010: felony tiers. The present structure of 257.626, with felony tiers for serious impairment and death, applies "Beginning October 31, 2010" (2008 PA 463). The section was last amended by 2010 PA 155, effective January 1, 2011.
• 2021: drag racing section amended. Section 257.626a was amended by 2021 PA 75, with immediate effect on July 29, 2021. The current text excludes the Silver Lake State Park scramble area.
• 2021-2025: licensing sections amended. Section 257.904 (driving while suspended) was amended by 2020 PA 383, effective March 24, 2021, and by 2024 PA 113, effective April 2, 2025. Section 257.303 (revocation) was amended by 2020 PA 376, effective October 1, 2021, and by 2024 PA 42, effective April 2, 2025. 2020 PA 376 also amended 257.319.
• 2026: point schedule amended. 2026 PA 66 (House Bill 5995), with immediate effect on July 23, 2026, amended 257.320a. The point values for reckless driving (6), drag racing (4) and careless driving (3) did not change.
• Careless driving. Section 257.626b has stood in its current form since 1978 PA 510, effective August 1, 1979.

Related Michigan laws

• Reckless driving laws by state
• Michigan DUI laws
• Michigan manslaughter laws
• Michigan felony and misdemeanor classes
• Michigan hit-and-run laws
• Michigan expungement laws
• Ohio reckless driving laws

This article is general legal information about Michigan law, not legal advice. For a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Michigan, or the Michigan Secretary of State for driver's license questions.

Last updated: 2026-10-25.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is reckless driving a misdemeanor in Michigan?

Reckless driving under MCL 257.626(2) is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. It becomes a felony of up to 5 years if it causes serious impairment of a body function to another person, and up to 15 years if it causes a death.

Can you go to jail for reckless driving in Michigan?

The statute allows it. The misdemeanor carries up to 93 days, the serious-impairment felony up to 5 years, and the death felony up to 15 years (MCL 257.626).

How fast is reckless driving in Michigan?

No Michigan statute sets a speed that is reckless driving. Section 257.626 has no speed element; the test is willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, and speed rules are in MCL 257.627.

How many points is reckless driving in Michigan?

Six points under MCL 257.320a. Drag racing carries 4 points and careless driving 3. Twelve or more points within two years is a ground for Secretary of State review under MCL 257.320.

Will a reckless driving conviction suspend your license in Michigan?

For a misdemeanor conviction under 257.626(2), MCL 257.319(3) says the Secretary of State shall suspend the license for 90 days. Two such convictions within 7 years, or one felony conviction under 257.626(3) or (4), require revocation under MCL 257.303.

Is careless driving a crime in Michigan?

No. Careless driving under MCL 257.626b is a civil infraction, with a civil fine generally up to $100 plus costs (MCL 257.907) and 3 points.

Does Michigan have a wet reckless?

No Michigan statute creates one. The drunk driving sections mention reckless driving only to count the felony tiers, 257.626(3) and (4), as prior convictions and arrest triggers.

What is the penalty for drag racing in Michigan?

MCL 257.626a bars racing, speed contests and assisting them but states no penalty, so the Vehicle Code default in MCL 257.901 applies: up to 90 days, a fine of up to $100, or both. A conviction carries 4 points.

What is the penalty for driving without a license in Michigan?

Driving while suspended, revoked, denied or never having applied for a license is a misdemeanor under MCL 257.904: up to 93 days, a fine of up to $500, or both for a first violation, and up to 1 year or $1,000 after a prior conviction. Causing serious impairment of a body function or a death while driving in violation of the section is a felony of up to 5 or 15 years (MCL 257.904(4)-(5)).

Does reckless driving affect a commercial license in Michigan?

Yes. Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation under MCL 257.319b, and two from separate incidents within 36 months while operating a commercial vehicle bring a 60-day suspension. Federal rule 49 C.F.R. 383.51 also sets disqualification periods for repeat serious traffic violations.