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Drunk Driving Laws in Michigan

DUI Laws in Michigan

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Michigan Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties

1st Michigan DUI Offense

First Drunk Driving Conviction

Jail – Up to 93 Days

License Suspension – Up to 6 Months
License Suspension - Eligible for Restricted License after 30 Days
License Points - 6

Fine – From $100 to $500
Fine - $1,000 Driver Responsibility Fee for 2 Years

Other Possibilities

Community Service – Up to 360 Hours
Ignition Interlock
Vehicle Immobilization

2nd Michigan DUI Offense

Second Drunk Driving Conviction

Jail – From 5 Days to 1 Year

License Suspension – Minimum of 1 Year
License Points – 6

License Plate Confiscation
Vehicle Immobilization – From 90 to 180 Days (Unless Vehicle is Forfeited)

Fine – From $200 to $1,000
Fine - $1,000 Driver Responsibility Fee for 2 Years
Ignition Interlock Device

Other Possibilities

Community Service – From 30 to 90 Days

3rd Michigan DUI Offense

Third Drunk Driving Conviction

Felony Offense
Jail – Probation With 30 Days to 1 Year
Imprisonment– From 1 to 5 Years

License Suspension – Minimum of 1 Year
License Points – 6

License Plate Confiscation
Vehicle Immobilization – From 90 to 180 Days (Unless Vehicle is Forfeited)
Ignition Interlock Device

Fine – From $200 to $1,000
Fine - $1,000 Driver Responsibility Fee for 2 Years

Other Possibilities

Community Service – From 60 to 180 Days

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Drinking and Driving Laws in Michigan

The drunk driving law in the State of Michigan makes it illegal to drive with a .08 percentage blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or above. The .08 limit is the standard measure of the "impaired" driver across the United States. Michigan has lower BAC limits for drivers under the age of 21 and commercial drivers. In addition to Michigan's OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) law, Michigan has another law called the OWVI (Operating While Visibly Impaired ) law. This law means that because drugs or alcohol (or both) are in your body, that your ability to drive was visibly impaired. Operating a motor vehicle with any amount of a Schedule 1 drug (Cocaine, Barbiturates etc.) is illegal under Michigan's OWVI law.

How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Michigan?

This question is often asked by people who want to know how many drinks they can have before they are considered legally drunk. There are calculators and charts that will give you some idea of how close you are to reaching the legal limit, however these devices are reference tools, and should not be used to determine if you are sober enough to drive.

The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Michigan has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Michigan, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.

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Drunk Driving Laws in Michigan

State of Michigan BAC Laws:

All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.

The first time you receive a OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) conviction you will be fined from $100-$500 and serve up to 93 days in jail. You may also be sentenced to 360 hours of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended for 30 days, followed by driving restrictions for an additional 150 days. Other possibilities include vehicle immobilization and the installation of an ignition interlock device at the owners expense. You will also have to pay a $1,000 "Driver Responsibility" fee for 2 years.

Your second drunk driving conviction in the State of Michigan will cost you between $200 and $1,000. You will also be sentenced between 5 days and 1 year in jail and from 30-90 days of community service. Your drivers license will be revoked for a period of one year and your license plate will be confiscated. Your vehicle will either be forfeited or immobilized for 90 to 180 days. You will also have to pay a $1,000 "Driver Responsibility" fee for 2 years.

A third drunk driving offense in Michigan is a felony. You will be fined from $500-$5,000 and be sentenced to 1-5 years in jail and/or 60-180 days of community service. Your drivers license will be revoked for a minimum of 5 years and your license plate will be confiscated. Your vehicle will be immobilized for 1-3 years or forfeited. You will be unable to register a motor vehicle and you will need to pay a $1,000 driver responsibility fee for 2 years.

The Implied Consent Law in Michigan

Like many states, Michigan's implied consent law deems that all drivers agree to submit to a chemical test of their Blood, Breath or Urine if you are arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The first time you refuse this test, your drivers license will be suspended for a period of 1 year and you will have 6 points added to your driving record. A second refusal within 7 years of the first, and your license to drive will be suspended for 2 years. There are no hardship appeals for a restricted license on your second refusal in the State of Michigan.

State of Michigan Website - More DUI Information

Other Michigan Information On This Website

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