How to Contest a Speeding Ticket in Michigan Legally

Receiving a speeding ticket in Michigan can be both frustrating and costly. Beyond the fine itself, a traffic violation can lead to points on your driving record, increased insurance rates, and even license suspension if you accumulate too many violations. But what many drivers don’t realize is that you have the right to fight a speeding ticket—and in many cases, contesting the charge can save you from unnecessary penalties.

If you want to know how to contest a speeding ticket, you should know that the process in Michigan isn’t always straightforward. However, with the right legal strategy, you may be able to have your ticket reduced or dismissed altogether.

There are multiple ways to challenge a citation, from proving radar gun errors to arguing necessity or procedural mistakes. In this guide, we will walk you through Michigan’s traffic laws, potential defenses, and when hiring a traffic attorney in Michigan is in your best interest.

Understanding Michigan’s Speeding Laws and Penalties

What Are the Speed Limits in Michigan?

To answer your question of how to contest a speeding ticket, let’s understand the speeding laws and penalties first. Michigan has absolute speed limits, meaning that exceeding them—even by 1 mph—can result in a citation. Common speed limits include:

15 mph in mobile home parks and some municipal areas.
25 mph in most business and residential districts.
55 mph on highways unless otherwise posted.
70–75 mph on freeways outside urban areas.

How Speeding Tickets Affect Your Driving Record

Michigan uses a point system for traffic violations, and the number of points assigned depends on the severity of the offense:

2 points – Driving 1–10 mph over the speed limit.
3 points – Driving 11–15 mph over the speed limit.
4 points – Driving 16+ mph over the speed limit.
6 points – Reckless driving or exceeding the speed limit in a work zone.

Accumulating 12 or more points can lead to a license suspension and mandatory driver improvement courses.

Legal Strategies to Contest a Speeding Ticket in Michigan

If you decide to fight your ticket, here are some strong legal defenses that may work in your favor:

1. Challenging Radar Gun Accuracy

It is important that radar guns must be properly calibrated and maintained. If the officer’s device was not recently tested, its accuracy can be questioned. Additionally, your attorney can request maintenance records to determine whether the radar gun was functioning properly.

2. Arguing Procedural Mistakes

Law enforcement officers must follow specific protocols when issuing tickets. If there were errors in how the ticket was written—such as incorrect time, location, or vehicle description—the charge may be dismissed.

3. Proving Speed Limit Was Not Clearly Posted

In some cases, drivers may not see speed limit signs due to obstructions, poor lighting, or missing signs. Your Michigan traffic attorney can argue that the speed limit was not adequately posted, making the ticket unfair.

4. Necessity Defense

In emergencies, exceeding the speed limit may be justified—such as rushing someone to the hospital or avoiding an accident. While not always successful, presenting a valid necessity defense may lead to reducing or dismissing charges.

When Should You Hire a Traffic Attorney?

You should know that not all speeding tickets require legal representation, but hiring a Michigan traffic attorney can significantly increase your chances of success in the following situations:

You have multiple violations and are at risk of license suspension.
Your ticket carries high fines or increased insurance premiums.
You were cited for reckless driving or excessive speeding (16+ mph over the limit).
You are a commercial driver, where a violation could impact your career.

A skilled attorney can help you understand how to contest a speeding ticket in Michigan by empowering you with the information to secure the best outcome for your case.