Getting a DUI in Michigan can result in serious consequences. Convicted drivers may face legal penalties and fines, as well as expensive car insurance premiums. In fact, Bankrate’s analysis of data from Quadrant Information Services found that the cost of car insurance increases by an average of 153 percent for drivers who are convicted of a DUI in Michigan. And in some instances, insurance coverage could be denied altogether.
DUIs in Michigan
Michigan laws and penalties for driving under the influence can vary based on the situation and driver’s age. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team explains how the state defines driving under the influence (DUI) and the penalties you might face if you’re caught doing so.
DUI laws in Michigan
It is a crime in Michigan to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher if you’re of legal drinking age. For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is lower, at just 0.02. Penalties become more severe if the driver’s BAC is 0.17 or higher.
Note that drivers can be arrested regardless of BAC if a police officer finds signs of driving impairment. Michigan also treats driving with a Schedule 1 controlled substance as a DUI — unless the driver has a valid medical marijuana card and is only found with marijuana in their system.
DUI penalties in Michigan
There are different criminal penalties for drunk driving convictions in Michigan. Penalties for a first-offense driver with a BAC of under 0.17 include:
- Jail time of up to 93 days
- Community service of up to 360 hours
- Fines of up to $500
- 180-day license suspension
- Six points added to your driving record
For a first offense with a BAC of 0.17 or higher, with no prior DUI convictions in the last seven years, penalties may include:
- Jail time of up to 180 days
- Community service of up to 360 hours
- Fines of up to $700
- Possible one-year license suspension
- Six points added to your driving record
- Mandatory alcohol treatment program
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
In contrast, if a driver causes an accident where alcohol was a factor and someone was killed, they will face possible prison time of 15 years, fines up to $10,000 and mandatory vehicle immobilization.
Further, SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended or revoked after a DUI conviction. An SR-22 indicates you are meeting your state’s minimum car insurance requirements. Not all insurers offer SR-22s, and if yours does not, you will need to switch to a company that does provide this service. Drivers needing SR-22s must maintain these documents for three years in Michigan.
DUI penalties for underage drinkers in Michigan
Drivers under the age of 21 found with a BAC of 0.02 or greater, can be charged with a DUI. If it’s your first offense, you might face these penalties:
- 30-day restricted driver’s license
- Fines up to $250
- Community service
- 4 points added to your license
- $125 license reinstatement fee
- $500 Driver Responsibility payment for two years
If it’s your second offense as an underage drinker, the penalties become more severe:
- 90-day restricted driver’s license
- Fines up to $500
- Community service
- $125 license reinstatement fee
- $500 Driver Responsibility payment for two years
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Substantial insurance premium increase or cancellation