Driving without driver license in Michigan? court? misdemeanor?

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Driving without driver license in Michigan? court? misdemeanor?

Anonymous Jan 8, 2015 Traffic Tickets 3 views 3 answers

I was pulled off by a police officer. I didn't have Michigan driver license so I got a ticket and I have to attend court. The ticket says license-drove while unlicensed-failed to obtain. The code for this is 257.904(A). I googled this code and found this. Any person, not exempt from license under this act, who shall operate a motor vehicle upon the highways of this state and who is unable to show that he or she has been issued a license to operate a motor vehicle by any state or foreign country valid within the 3 years preceding is guilty of a misdemeanor. Please read the full act by googling the code 257.904(A). I am an international student and I have a foreign driver license. Does that makes me not misdemeanor? And how should I defense myself in the court? I am so scared to go to jail

Daniel Hilf · Answer 1 · 2026-06-15T13:05:53+00:00

It depends on what country you are from and whether you had your driver's license from your home country at the time you were stopped. There are treaties that exist between the United States and some (but not all) foreign countries that allow for reciprocal driving privileges. Unfortunately, many lawyers and police officers are ignorant to the existence of these treaties and do not properly address this issue. The charge is a 93 day maximum misdemeanor charge, with a very low risk of jail time. You should hire a lawyer if you can afford to do so. If not, request a court appointed lawyer.

John FreemanCriminal Defense AttorneyTroy, MI · Answer 2 · 2026-06-15T13:05:53+00:00

You have a great deal at stake because of your status as an international student. Even minor things can have very serious consequences. Hire an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Jason Barrix · Answer 3 · 2026-06-15T13:05:53+00:00

If this is a first offense and you are not suspended for another criminal act I would think jail while possible is unlikely. You may have issues that are not criminal such as immigration. I would speak to a criminal lawyer and an immigration lawyer.

Driving without driver license in Michigan? court? misdemeanor?

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