Michigan DUI Laws & Penalties

Michigan Drunk Driving Laws Explained in Easy to Understand Simple Terms

Michigan DUI law is made up of a few related charges that all deal with the broader ‘drunk driving’ offense. Michigan implemented multiple DUI related charges in an attempt to prevent offenders from getting around the system without proper punishment.

Michigan First Offense DUI Penalties

  • Jail:  Up to 93 days
  • Fine:  $100 – $500
  • Community Service:  Up to 45 days
  • Drivers license suspension:  6 months (no restricted license for first 30 days)
  • Immobilization up to 6 months (180 days)

Michigan Second Offense DUI Penalties

  • Fine:  $200 to $1,000
  • Jail:  5 days to 1 year
  • Community Service:  1-3 months
  • Drivers License Suspension:  Revocation
  • License Plate Confiscation
  • Immobilization 3 to 6 months (90 – 180 days)
  • Possible vehicle forfeiture

Michigan BAC Presumptions

  • BAC levels of .001 to .05 are not considered to be under the influence
  • BAC levels of .051 to .079 are not considered to be under the influence, but is admissible in court
  • BAC levels of .08 or greater are considered to be under the influence

Michigan Implied Consent Law

  • Chemical testing is allowed. Blood, breath and urine.
  • The officer is required to advise the defendant of the penalties for test refusal.
  • Test refusal results in a 6 month to 1 year license suspension and is admissible in court.
  • Test results must be made available to the defendant and his or her Michigan DUI attorneyupon written request.

Michigan DUI Chemical Testing

  • Any amount of alcohol proven to be in the defendants blood is admissible in court as evidence.
  • Blood draws for police testing must be administered by a licensed physician, nurse or other qualified person.
  • The defendant has the right to have an independent chemical test done. The cost of the independent testing is the defendants responsibility.
  • Test results must be made available to the defendant and their Michigan DUI attorney upon written request.

Michigan SR22 Insurance Considerations

Michigan DUI law requires people convicted of DUI related offenses to carry DUI insurance, or SR22 insurance.  SR22 insurance is a type of high risk auto insurance policy mandated by the Michigan DMV.  Some of the big companies do provide SR22 insurance but most do not.  That means you will have to turn to a company that specializes in this type of high risk auto insurance.

Michigan SR22 insurance is required for a period of 3-years following a drunk driving conviction and can be very expensive if you go with the wrong provider.  We have partnered with the largest and most trusted SR22 insurance provider here in the state of Michigan and have worked out a special discount only available here for our website visitors.

You won’t be able to find a cheaper SR22 insurance policy in Michigan for any less.

Additional Micchigan DUI Resources
  • Michigan DUI First Offense – Detailed first offense information including punishments after a first offense DUI in Michigan.
  • Michigan DUI Classes – Get signed up to complete your required DUI class online today.
  • Michigan SR22 Insurance – Learn everything you need to know about Michigan SR22 filing requirements with the DMV and find out how you can save hundreds of dollars each year on your Michigan SR22 insurance.
  • Michigan DUI Lawyers – Contact one of our Michigan DUI lawyers today to discuss your pending DUI case.
  • Michigan Bail Bond Agents – Contact an Michigan bail bond agent to get out of jail now.
  • Michigan Non-owner Insurance – If you need an SR-22 filing, but don’t own a vehicle, you need to get a non-owner policy.