• Michigan drunk driving laws seek to prevent accidents.wrecked car image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
  
  Michigan has strict laws regarding driving motor vehicles under the influence. The easiest way to avoid running afoul of the law is not to drink. Once you become familiar with laws regarding drunk driving in the State of Michigan, you will likely want to do anything you can to avoid arrest.
  
  

General Considerations

• The legal limit for blood alcohol in the State of Michigan is .08. This applies only to people over the age of 21. For those under the age of 21, Michigan has a zero tolerance policy. Further, those operating a commercial vehicle have a legal limit of .04.
  
  

Implied Consent

• Michigan is an "implied consent" state. This means that the mere act of operating a motor vehicle means that you consent to having a breathalyzer test. Those who refuse to take one will lose their license for a full year and have six points added to your license. Any refusal within seven years of another results in a 2-year license suspension. Second refusals may not apply for hardship licenses.
  
  

First Conviction

• Your first conviction for drunk driving in the State of Michigan results in prison time of up to 93 days. Your license will be suspended for six months and you can apply for a restricted hardship license after 30 days. Six points will be added to your license. Fines run between $100 and $500, and you will be charged an additional $1,000 fee for the next 2 years you have a license. You can also be subject to 360 hours of community service, have a breathalyzer device put on your car, or have your car completely immobilized.
  
  

Second Conviction

• A second conviction for drunk driving results in prison time between five days and a full year. You license will be suspended for at least a full year, and an additional six points will be added to your license. Your license plate will be confiscated and your vehicle will be immobilized between 90 and 180 days. Fines run between $200 and $1,000, in addition to a $1,000 annual fee for 2 years. A breathalyzer device will be affixed to your car. You may be sentenced to community service between 30 and 90 days.
  
  

Third Conviction

• Your third drunk driving offense is the first to be counted as a felony. You will be put in jail for between 1 and 5 years. Your license will be suspended for a year or more. An additional six points will be added to your license. Your license plate will be confiscated and your vehicle will be immobilized between 90 and 180 days, in addition to having a breathalyzer device put on your car. Fines run between $200 and $1,000 as well as the $1,000 annual fee for 2 years. Community service sentences are from 60 to 180 days.