How to Fight a Stop Sign Ticket in Michigan
If you got a stop sign ticket in Michigan, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. A stop sign violation is a civil infraction in Michigan.
How to fight a stop sign ticket in Michigan, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the stop sign charge in Michigan and review the evidence against you.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your stop sign citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
A stop sign violation is a civil infraction in Michigan.
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Michigan court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Michigan Stop Sign ticket — frequently asked questions
What is Michigan's stop sign law?
Stop sign violations in Michigan are governed by MCL 257.649. Drivers approaching a stop sign must stop at the marked stop line, or if none, before entering the crosswalk, or if neither, at the point nearest the intersecting road from which the driver has a view of approaching traffic. After stopping, the driver must yield the right-of-way to vehicles in the intersection or approaching closely enough to be an immediate hazard. Source: MCL 257.649.
What is the fine for running a stop sign in Michigan?
A stop sign violation is a civil infraction in Michigan. The statutory maximum is a $100 civil fine + $100 court costs + $40 JSA = $240 maximum total. The specific base amount varies by district court — verify at your local court. Real-world totals are typically $130 or more.
How many points does a stop sign violation add in Michigan?
A stop sign violation adds 3 points to your Michigan driving record (same category as disobeying a traffic signal, MCL 257.320a). Points are active for 2 years; the conviction stays on record for a minimum of 7 years.
Can I use BDIC for a stop sign ticket in Michigan?
Stop sign violations are eligible for BDIC (3-point civil infraction — the maximum BDIC-eligible level) if you have 2 or fewer points on your record, hold a non-commercial Michigan license, and have never previously completed a BDIC. Source: MCL 257.320d.
How do I contest a stop sign ticket in Michigan?
To contest a stop sign ticket in Michigan, deny responsibility on your citation within 14 days of issuance. You may request an informal hearing (no attorneys, heard by a magistrate) or a formal hearing (judge presides; prosecutor and officer present). If you lose the informal hearing, you can appeal within 7 days by posting a bond. At the formal hearing, the prosecutor must prove the violation by a preponderance of the evidence.
What are the rules for a four-way stop in Michigan?
At a four-way stop in Michigan, the driver who stopped first has the right to proceed first. If two vehicles stop simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.