LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Traffic enforcement in Michigan isn’t what it used to be. By the numbers, it’s way down.

Michigan drivers are receiving far fewer traffic citations than they did 20 years ago, as enforcement levels decline and courts process far fewer cases. Last year in particular, courts statewide processed roughly 2.3 million cases—down by about a third compared with the mid-2000s, according to data from the State Court Administrator’s Office.

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Traffic-related cases have dropped even faster. Moving violations have fallen by more than 40% since the mid-2000s, while drunken driving cases have been reduced by roughly half over the same period.

Law enforcement leaders point to several causes, including pandemic-era pullbacks, ongoing staffing shortages, and a shift toward prioritizing emergency response over routine traffic stops. Michigan today employs thousands fewer police officers than it did two decades ago, leaving fewer departments with dedicated traffic units.

Crash totals have also trended downward, though traffic deaths ticked slightly higher last year.

Parking enforcement has been less consistent. While many cities issue fewer citations, some saw temporary spikes tied to automated meters—systems that were later removed after resident complaints.

National court data shows similar declines, suggesting Michigan’s experience is part of a broader shift.