Court Says I Owe A 10-year-old Traffic Fine From When I Was A Minor. Now License Is Suspended Until Paid?

Location: Michigan

Hi all,

A few days ago, I got a notice from a District Court in Michigan saying I owe a $240 past-due balance for a traffic citation (failure to yield) from when I was 16 years old, which was over ten years ago. It was from a minor accident where I was technically at fault, but I had insurance and I thought everything was handled at the time. I never once received a bill, letter, or notice about any unpaid balance until now.

I emailed the court asking why I’m only hearing about this now and explained that I was a minor back then. They replied saying the magistrate reviewed it and decided that I am still responsible for the fines, and that my “drivers license is suspended until it’s paid.”

I’m very confused because I don’t live in Michigan and haven’t for years (currently in California). I currently have a valid license in another state (MO) and had no issues getting it. I will need to renew my license in CA next year since my current license is expiring soon and now I’m stressed this could mess that up.

I’m trying to understand:

1. Can Michigan actually suspend anything if I’m licensed in another state and will this affect me when I try to get a new one?

2. Can they hold me responsible for something from when I was 16? My parents weren’t contacted, nothing was ever sent, and I had no clue there was an unpaid citation.

3. Is it even worth fighting? Im frustrated on principle, but realistically, is paying the $240 the simplest way to avoid future headaches?

Any advice would be really appreciated!