Drunk Driving

The State of Michigan website states a driver who has a BAC (body alcohol content) of .08 or higher if they are 21 or over – or- a BAC of .02 if under 21 is breaking the law.

Anyone caught driving with a BAC of .17 or higher in Michigan faces harsher penalties under the high-BAC law.

However, if a driver shows signs of impairment while driving, they may be detained at any BAC level.

Drugged Driving

Even if they don’t exhibit any signs of impairment, drivers who use any amount of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine face the same fines and penalties as drunk drivers.

The only exception is someone using marijuana and has a current medical marijuana card. An officer must demonstrate that they are intoxicated as a result of that marijuana under the law.

Currently as of this writing Marijuana (AKA Cannabis) is still on the controlled substance list both in Michigan and Federally so you can be charged by the state or Feds for the use and possession of Marijuana.

Check the Schedule 1 controlled substance list for Michigan or the Federal DEA Controlled Substance Schedules The States are just controlling both sides of the bridge by selling it to you and punishing you for using it. 

Please review the Michigan Legislature web page for any updates or changes.

When facing DUI or Impaired Driving charges – hire a lawyer!

Consequences and Costs of a DUI Conviction

If BAC is below .17 and this is a first offense:

• Up to $500 fine
• Up to 93 days in jail
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• Up to 180 days license suspension
• 6 points on a driver’s license

If BAC is .17 or higher and this is a first offense:

• Up to $700 fine
• Up to 180 days in jail
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• Up to one year license suspension
• 6 points on a driver’s license
• Mandatory completion of an alcohol treatment program
• Ignition interlock use and compliance after 45 days license suspension is required to receive a restricted driver’s license. Convicted drunk drivers have limited driving privileges, are prohibited from operating a vehicle without an approved and properly installed ignition interlock device, and are responsible for all installation and upkeep costs for the device.

Anyone who refuses a breath test the first time is given an automatic one-year driver’s license suspension. For a second refusal within seven years, the suspension is two years.

Convicted drunk drivers are subject to a $1,000 penalty for two consecutive years under the Driver Responsibility Act, for a total of $2,000 in additional costs.

Is there still a driver responsibility fee in Michigan?

No new driver responsibility fees can be assessed after October 1, 2018. The Department of Treasury can no longer collect outstanding driver responsibility fees. In addition, drivers are no longer liable for any fees that remain outstanding, and can have their license reinstated.

According to Michigan Public Acts 43-50: Elimination of Driver Responsibility Fees; License Reinstatement. You can read more about this legislative package via the Michigan Governor’s website. The bills included in this package are known as Public Acts 43-50 of 2018, which you can find more info on the Michigan Legislature’s website.

More Articles

• The Consequences and Costs of a DUI Conviction
• MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE
• Is DUI-Drugged Driving in Royal Oak a Misdemeanor?

Laws constantly change and get updated. Please consult an attorney before acting on any information found on the internet.