Careless Driving on Private Property in Michigan: No Ticket

You cannot be ticketed for careless driving on private property in Michigan.

Legal Basis

• MCL 257.626b defines careless driving as operating a vehicle "on a highway ... in a careless or negligent manner."
• MCL 257.20 defines "highway" as "a way or place ... open to the use of the public as a matter of right for vehicular travel."
• Private property (parking lots, driveways, farm fields, gated communities) is not a highway under the statute.

What Can Happen on Private Property

• Reckless driving (MCL 257.626) — "willful or wanton disregard for safety" — applies anywhere (public or private) if the conduct endangers persons/property. Misdemeanor (up to 93 days jail, $500 fine).
• Civil liability — property owner or injured party can sue for damages.
• Trespass / property damage — criminal or civil.
• Local ordinances — some townships have private-property traffic codes (rare).

Practical Takeaway

If you're doing donuts in a private parking lot with permission: no careless driving ticket. If you're doing donuts near pedestrians/cars: reckless driving charge possible. Always drive responsibly.