Commercial Drivers Licensing Resources
For Judges

Michigan

View a different state:

Cases

Green v. Secretary of State, Not Reported in N.W.2d (2013)

The Secretary of State appeals as of right the trial court’s order restoring full driving privileges to Christopher Thomas Green. Affirmed.

People v. Hammoud, Not Reported in N.W.2d (2012)

Defendant Kazem Hammoud appeals by leave granted the circuit court’s order affirming his bench-trial conviction of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license (DWLS) pursuant to a Dearborn City Ordinance that is substantively identical to MCL 257.904(1). The district court sentenced defendant to 24 months of probation with the first 30 days to be served in jail. Reversed and remanded for entry of an acquittal.

People v. Nunley, 491 Mich. 686 (2012)

In prosecution for second-offense driving while license suspended (DWLS), the 15th District Court denied the prosecution’s motion in limine to admit a certificate of mailing, as generated by Department of State (DOS), as proof that defendant received notice that his license was suspended. Interlocutory appeal was granted. The Circuit Court, Washtenaw County, affirmed district court’s ruling that admission of certificate without testimony would violate Confrontation Clause. Prosecution’s interlocutory application for leave to appeal was granted. The Court of Appeals affirmed. The Supreme Court granted leave to appeal. The Supreme Court held that certificate of mailing was not “testimonial” under Confrontation Clause, such that admission of certificate did not require accompanying witness testimony. Judgment of Court of Appeals reversed; case remanded to district court.

Taylor v. Secretary of State, 216 Mich.App. 333, 548 N.W.2d 710 (Mich. Ct. App. 1996)

Statutes requiring applicants for group vehicle designations to have not suffered suspension or revocation of their driving privileges within 36 months preceding application and providing that circuit courts lacked jurisdiction to review denials of applications based on such ground constituted exercise of state’s power to enhance safety, and concomitant life, health and welfare of public, in use of state’s road system, and therefore retroactive application of such statutes did not violate constitutional prohibition against ex post facto laws.

Statutes

Adoption of Federal Regulations

MI Comp L § 480.11a — Adoption of federal regulations; exceptions; definitions; applicability of act to bus operated by transit agency; applicability of subsection (1)(b) and sections 5(8) and 6(1); definitions
- 49 CFR § 383 — Commercial Driver’s License Standards; Requirements and Penalties

What Constitutes a CMV

Major Disqualifying Offenses

MI Comp L § 257.319b — Suspension or revocation of commercial learners permits or vehicle group designations on operator’s or chauffeur’s license; notice of conviction, bond forfeiture, civil infraction determination, violation of law, or refusal to submit to chemical test; period of suspension or revocation; denial, cancellation, or revocation of hazardous material indorsement; notice of security risk; applicability of conditions; definitions.
- 49 CFR § 383.51 (b) – Disqualification for major offenses

Major Disqualifying Offenses (Alcohol)

MI Comp L § 257.319b — Suspension or revocation of commercial learners permits or vehicle group designations on operator’s or chauffeur’s license; notice of conviction, bond forfeiture, civil infraction determination, violation of law, or refusal to submit to chemical test; period of suspension or revocation; denial, cancellation, or revocation of hazardous material indorsement; notice of security risk; applicability of conditions; definitions.
- 49 CFR § 392.5 – Alcohol prohibition
- 49 CFR § 383.51 – Disqualification of Drivers
- 49 CFR § 383.72 – Implied consent to alcohol testing.
- 49 CFR § 392.5 (c) – Alcohol prohibition: “Out-of-Service”

Serious Traffic Offenses

MI Comp L § 257.319b(10) – Suspension or Revocation of Commercial Learners Permits or Vehicle Group Designations on Operator’s or Chauffeur’s License; Notice of Conviction, Bond Forfeiture, Civil Infraction Determination, Violation of Law, or Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test; Period of Suspension or Revocation; Denial, Cancellation, or Revocation of Hazardous Material Indorsement; Notice of Security Risk; Applicability of Conditions; Definitions.
- 49 CFR 383.51(c) – Disqualification for serious traffic violations

Identification of Conviction

MI Comp L § 257.8a –“Conviction” defined.
- 49 CFR § 383.5 – Definitions (Conviction)

Masking Convictions

MI Comp L § 257.732 – Record of cases; forwarding abstract of record or report to secretary of state; settlement; abstracts forwarded; “felony in which a motor vehicle was used” defined; statement; “felony in which a commercial motor vehicle was used” defined; certification that all abstracts forwarded; noncompliance as misconduct in office; location and public inspection of abstracts; entering abstracts on master driving record; exceptions; informing courts of violations; entering order of reversal in book or index; modifications; abstract as part of written notice to appear; immediate report; expunction prohibited. (State Statute Only)
- 49 CFR § 384.226 – Prohibition on masking convictions

10-Day Posting Requirement

MI Comp L § 480.11a – Adoption of Federal Regulations; Exceptions; Definitions; Applicability of Act to Bus Operated by Transit Agency; Applicability of Subsection (1)(b) and Sections 5(8) and 6(1); Definitions
- 49 CFR § 384.225 – CDLIS driver recordkeeping

Other CDL Provisions

Resources

Article: More Than 1,200 Truck Drivers Fail English-Language Tests

More than 1,200 U.S. truck drivers have been taken off the road after failing roadside English proficiency tests required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The effort, reinstated under Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is meant to improve safety by making sure drivers can read traffic signs, complete paperwork, and communicate clearly.

Article: Michigan State Police join national effort to combat human trafficking

The Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division joined a national initiative during Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January 13–17) to train and educate commercial vehicle drivers on identifying trafficking indicators like lack of control over personal documents, physical marking or branding, and suspicious vehicle activity. The outreach, conducted in partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, highlights the role of CDL drivers as crucial observers in spotting and reporting trafficking on highways.

Traffic Jam: How Commercial Drivers Impact Human Trafficking in Michigan Webcast – July 16, 2025

This Webcast focused on human trafficking and its impact on commercial drivers in Michigan courts. The presenter, Anita Laster-Mays, provided an overview of human trafficking, including its definition, various forms, legal aspects, and statistics. The discussion covered myths about trafficking, economic impacts, legislation, and the importance of recognizing signs and raising awareness to combat this widespread issue.