[MI] What should you do if your driver’s license is revoked for an unreported hit and run?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand how stressful this situation must be for you and your dad. Can you tell me if your dad has received any specific legal documents or notices regarding the hit and run claim?

Lexi, Chatbot

Has your dad been able to communicate with anyone about this issue, such as a translator or someone who can help him understand the letters?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your hit and run issue.

Tony Attorney

Hello! I'm Tony Attorney, a Traffic Law expert here to assist you with your DMV concerns. I understand your dad is facing a hit and run issue in Michigan, and his license has been revoked temporarily. Please note that my responses are intended solely for general legal guidance and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. Have you contacted any legal authorities or sought translation assistance for the letters?

Tony Attorney

This is an incredibly stressful situation, especially with the language barrier and the sudden loss of your dad's ability to get to work. Dealing with Michigan's "Failure to Stop and Identify" (Hit and Run) laws can be complex because they trigger both criminal and administrative (Secretary of State) actions. Because your dad doesn't speak English, the first and most important step is to bridge that gap so you don't miss critical deadlines.

Immediate Action: The 14-Day Rule. In Michigan, once a license is suspended or revoked, you often have a very short window, sometimes as little as 14 days, to request an administrative hearing to challenge the decision. Check the letter for the date. If it mentions a "Request for Hearing" or an "Appeal," you need to act on that immediately. Legal Aid for Non-English Speakers: since your dad needs an interpreter, contact Michigan Legal Help or Lakeshore Legal Aid (1-888-783-8190). They provide free or low-cost help and must provide interpretation services by law if they take the case.

Understanding the "Revocation." It is unusual for a first-time minor property damage incident to result in an immediate revocation (which is permanent until restored) rather than a suspension (which has an end date).

• The Mix-up: if the letter says "revoked," the Secretary of State may believe there was an injury involved or that your dad has prior offenses you aren't aware of.
• Identity Issue: since you were the one driving, but the letter is addressed to your dad (the car owner), there is a legal mismatch. Michigan law applies to the driver. (MCL 257.618) You will likely need to clarify who was behind the wheel, but do not do this without a lawyer, as you would be admitting to a misdemeanor.

How to Get Him Back on the Road.

• If the license is currently suspended, your dad may be eligible for a Restricted License under Michigan law, which governs eligibility for restricted driving privileges. (MCL 257.323)
  • What it allows: driving to and from work, school, and court-ordered obligations.
  • How to get it: you typically must wait through a "hard suspension" period (often 30 days) before applying for the restriction.
• Recommended Next Steps: Do not ignore the letter, if you miss the appeal deadline, the suspension becomes much harder to fight. Get a "Certified Driving Record": go to a Secretary of State office or their website and pay ($16) for your dad's full record. This will tell you exactly why the license was flagged. Use a Translation App: use your phone to scan the letter with a translation app (like Google Translate) to ensure you haven't missed a court date or a deadline to pay a fine.

Tony Attorney

I hope the information I provided was helpful. If you have any follow-up questions or need guidance on your next steps, just let me know. Please remember that this is general information rather than formal legal advice.