Information on Michigan’s OWI and Ignition Interlock Laws

Michigan law requires a mandatory six-month driver’s license suspension if a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, even for a first conviction. That period increases to one year with a BAC of .17 or higher.

You can apply to have driving privileges restored by the Michigan Driver Appeal and Assessment Division (DAAD) of the Michigan Secretary of State, after serving 30 days of your suspension. Provided your petition with the DAAD is successful and if you were convicted with a BAC level between .08 and .17 you may be ordered to have a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed on any vehicle you own or intend to drive. An interlock is mandatory for drivers convicted at a higher BAC level.

Drivers considered Habitual Offenders (two or more convictions within seven years, or three or more within 10 years) will have their licenses revoked. After a period of revocation, a Habitual Offender may be eligible for a restricted license, in which case a BAIID will be required.

The ignition interlock will be installed for a minimum of one year and monitored every month. The interlock must be installed on any vehicle you own or intend to drive. A restricted license will be granted once it has been verified that an interlock has been installed. If you intend to drive a vehicle owned by your employer, the employer will be notified about your interlock requirement, but won’t be required to install an interlock on the work vehicle. This exception to the interlock requirement does not apply if you are self-employed and use the vehicle for personal and business purposes.

In addition to license action, other penalties in Michigan include court to order participation in, and successful completion of one or more rehabilitation programs, including alcohol treatment or a self-help program, or another program the court decides is appropriate. The court must order this rehabilitation if the defendant has one or more prior convictions, or is convicted of High BAC. You must also serve five days to one year of consecutive jail time, or 30 to 90 days of community service, or both for the 2^nd conviction of drunk or drugged driving.

There are harsher license sanctions of revocation and denial for persons with multiple drunk or drugged driving convictions. There’s also a reinstatement fee of $125 if your driver’s license was suspended, revoked or restricted.

For more information, please review Michigan’s official state webpage here.

Every situation and state is unique, please consult with your attorney or your state licensing authority to confirm your requirements and obligations.

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