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.
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.
Michigan Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
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.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
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.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
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.
Additional Information on Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties and Fines in Michigan
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