Michigan HB 5995: No License Points for Traffic Camera Tickets

What Does Michigan HB 5995 Change About Traffic Camera Tickets?

Michigan HB 5995 makes it clear that violations captured by automated traffic enforcement devices, such as red-light or speed cameras, can no longer result in points being added to your driver license.

Before this law, there was confusion about whether camera tickets could impact your driving record or insurance. Some drivers received notices that looked like traditional tickets, leading to concerns about points and possible insurance hikes.

With this amendment, Michigan joins a growing number of states that separate camera-based violations from moving violations witnessed by law enforcement. The law specifically amends section 320a of the Michigan Vehicle Code, ensuring that only violations observed and cited by a police officer can result in points on your license.

This change reflects ongoing debates about the fairness and accuracy of automated enforcement, as well as concerns about due process for drivers.

• No points for red-light or speed camera tickets
• Points still apply for violations cited by police officers
• Law applies statewide to all automated enforcement devices

Michigan HB 5995 protects drivers from license points for camera-based traffic violations.

Sources: Official source

How Does HB 5995 Affect Your Michigan Driving Record?

Under Michigan HB 5995, automated traffic enforcement violations will not appear as points on your official driving record.

This means that if you receive a ticket from a red-light or speed camera, the violation will not count toward the point totals that can lead to license suspension or higher insurance premiums.

However, the law does not erase the underlying violation itself. You may still be responsible for paying any fines or fees associated with the ticket, and the violation could be recorded in other ways, such as in local court records or municipal databases.

For example, a driver who receives multiple camera tickets may not see points accumulate, but repeated offenses could still raise concerns with local authorities or insurance companies if they access those records through other means.

• No points added for camera tickets
• Fines may still apply
• Driving record remains unaffected by points from automated violations

Camera tickets in Michigan no longer add points to your license, but fines still apply.

Sources: Official source

Will Michigan Traffic Camera Tickets Still Affect Your Insurance Rates?

Michigan HB 5995 prevents camera-based violations from adding points to your license, but it does not guarantee that insurance companies will ignore these tickets.

Most insurers in Michigan base rate increases on official state driving records, which now will not include points from automated enforcement. However, some insurance companies may still consider the existence of unpaid fines or repeated violations if they access local court records or third-party databases.

A 2025 survey by the Insurance Information Institute found that while most major insurers focus on state-reported points, some smaller companies review broader records, especially for high-risk drivers. This means that while your risk of an insurance hike is much lower, it is not zero if you accumulate multiple camera tickets or fail to pay fines.

One non-obvious scenario: Some commercial fleet insurance policies require disclosure of all traffic violations, including those from cameras, even if no points are assigned. Fleet managers should review their policy terms to avoid compliance issues.

• Most insurers use state driving records for rate decisions
• Camera tickets will not add points under HB 5995
• Unpaid fines or repeated violations could still be noticed

Insurance rate impacts from camera tickets are less likely, but not impossible.

Sources: Official source · Insurance Information Institute: How Tickets Affect Rates

How Do Michigan Camera Tickets Compare to Officer-Issued Tickets?

Officer-issued tickets in Michigan can still result in points on your license, while camera-based tickets cannot under HB 5995.

When a police officer observes a violation and issues a citation, the points are reported to the Secretary of State and become part of your official driving record. These points can lead to license suspension, higher insurance rates, and mandatory driver improvement courses.

In contrast, tickets from automated cameras now only carry fines and do not affect your driving record in terms of points. However, both types of tickets can be challenged in court, and both may result in financial penalties if not paid.

A practical example: If you run a red light and are caught by a police officer, you may receive three points and a fine. If a camera catches you, you only pay the fine, with no points added.

• Officer-issued tickets: points + fine
• Camera tickets: fine only, no points
• Both can be challenged in court

Only officer-issued tickets can add points to your Michigan license.

Sources: Official source · Michigan Secretary of State: Points and Violations

What Should Michigan Drivers Do If They Receive a Traffic Camera Ticket?

If you receive a traffic camera ticket in Michigan, you are still required to respond and pay any fines, but you do not need to worry about points being added to your license under HB 5995.

Ignoring a camera ticket can lead to additional fines, late fees, or even collections, depending on the issuing municipality’s policies. It is important to read the ticket carefully and follow the instructions for payment or contesting the violation.

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to contest it in court. Many cities provide instructions on how to request a hearing or submit evidence, such as proof that you were not driving the vehicle at the time.

For commercial drivers or those with special insurance requirements, check your policy terms to see if you must report all violations, even those without points. This is a detail often missed by other guides but can be critical for maintaining compliance with fleet insurance contracts.

• Pay or contest the ticket promptly
• No points will be added to your license
• Check insurance or fleet policy reporting requirements

Respond to camera tickets to avoid extra fees, even though no points are assigned.

Sources: Official source

Comparison: Michigan Camera Tickets vs. Officer-Issued Tickets

Michigan drivers should understand the key differences between camera tickets and officer-issued tickets under HB 5995.

The following table compares how each type of ticket affects your driving record, fines, and insurance risk.

Knowing these differences can help you make informed decisions if you receive a ticket and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Camera tickets now carry less risk for your license, but officer-issued tickets still have serious consequences.

Sources: Official source

Table: Michigan Camera Tickets vs. Officer-Issued Tickets

Criteria	Camera Ticket	Officer-Issued Ticket
License Points	No	Yes
Fines	Yes	Yes
Insurance Impact	Unlikely	Likely
Appeal Process	Yes	Yes
Reporting to State	No	Yes
Verdict	Lower risk for license	Higher risk for license

Choose to contest or pay camera tickets promptly, but know that only officer-issued tickets can add points to your Michigan license.

Camera tickets are less severe than officer-issued tickets under Michigan law.

Sources: Official source