Texting while driving ticket in Michigan
A texting ticket in Michigan costs about $140–$240 on the state schedule and adds no points.
FineAbout $140–$240state schedule
PointsNone
Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC)Yes
Add up my ticket All Michigan rules
How much does each court charge for a texting ticket?
Macomb County charges the most: about $140–$240.
Amount on your notice (not published): Wayne County, Oakland County, Kent County, Genesee County.
What does Michigan law allow for a texting ticket?
The fine is only part of what you pay. Court costs and fees are added on top, and they are often more than the fine itself, which is why the court totals above are higher.
| Ticket | State fine | With court costs |
|---|---|---|
| Holding or using a mobile device while driving (602b(1))Set by statute: $100 first offense and $250 for a second or later. | $100[5][9] | $140–$240 |
With court costs is an estimate. $40 justice system assessment plus court costs of up to $100 set by each court.[5][19] Your notice shows the exact total.
How many points is it?
- Handheld phone useNo points[2]
Will a texting ticket raise your insurance in Michigan?
Probably, once it is on your record. Insurers rate a texting ticket as a moving violation. In Michigan one speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium about 17% on average[1], or about $1,591 over three years. A texting ticket usually lands in the same range.
Estimate based on the state's speeding average, not a quote.
How long do you have to respond to a texting ticket in Michigan?
- Date on noticePay or respondset by the court[15][18][22]
Details
Pay, admit with an explanation, or ask for a hearing by the date on the ticket. If you miss it: The court enters a default judgment and starts the license suspension process.
- 7daysLast day to appealfrom conviction[18]
Details
Appeal an informal hearing decision. If you miss it: The decision stands.
- 14daysAsk the court to set aside a default judgmentfrom the notice date[18]
Details
Ask the court to set aside a default judgment. If you miss it: After 14 days you must use the general motion process instead.
- 28daysLicense suspended if ignoredfrom the court date[13][21]
Details
Court mails a suspension warning after you miss the due date. If you miss it: If you don't respond or pay within 14 days of the notice, the Secretary of State suspends your license until the court clears it and you pay a $45 clearance fee.
Can you keep a texting ticket off your Michigan record?
Every way to handle a Michigan ticket, from paying to contesting →
Texting tickets in other states →
Got a different ticket in Michigan?
- Speeding
- School zone
- Work zone
- Red light
- Stop sign
- No insurance
- Expired registration
- Seat belt
- School bus
- Failure to yield
- Parking
What else do people ask?
How many points is a texting ticket in Michigan?
Handheld phone use: 0 points.
How much is a texting ticket in Michigan?
It depends on the court. Published amounts: Macomb County about $140–$240.
Will a texting ticket raise my insurance in Michigan?
Probably, if it goes on your record. Insurers rate it as a moving violation. In Michigan a speeding ticket raised full-coverage premiums about 17% on average (ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026), and a texting ticket tends to land in the same range.
Sources
Michigan law and DMV sources (9)
- MCL 257.320a Recording convictions and points, Michigan Legislature.
- MCL 257.320d Basic driver improvement course, Michigan Legislature.
- MCL 257.907 Civil infraction fines, costs and assessments, Michigan Legislature.
- MCL 257.602b Holding or using a mobile electronic device while driving, Michigan Legislature.
- MCL 257.321a Failure to answer a citation or comply with a judgment, Michigan Legislature.
- MCL 257.743 Contents of a civil infraction citation, Michigan Legislature.
- Michigan Court Rule 4.101 Civil Infraction Actions, Michigan Supreme Court.
- Comparison of Civil Infractions (quick reference, updated April 24, 2025), Michigan Judicial Institute.
- 36th District Court: Traffic Violations FAQ, 36th District Court.
Insurance sources (4)
- State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).