Mich. Toughens Penalties for Most Severely Impaired Drivers

As of Oct. 31, first-time drunk-driving offenders in Michigan who register blood alcohol levels of at least 0.17 percent will face penalties similar to what second-time offenders have traditionally received in the state.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reported that sponsors of the new state law based their efforts on observations that many of the most severe motor vehicle accidents related to drunk driving involved drivers with a high blood alcohol content and a prior drunk-driving conviction.

Lawmakers said they hope the new restrictions on first-time offenders — including requiring ignition interlock devices on vehicles of drivers operating with restricted licenses — will reduce recidivism and limit fatal accidents. 

Under the new law, first-time offenders with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.17 will face up to 180 days in jail, a fine of $200 to $700, and a one-year license suspension; a restricted license can be issued after 45 days. Corresponding penalties for first-time offenders with blood alcohol levels under 0.17 are up to 93 days in jail, a fine of $100 to $500, and a six-month license suspension; a restricted license can be issued after 30 days.

The proposed legislation originally had established a blood alcohol content cutoff of 0.15 for the stricter penalties, said law co-sponsor Rep. Bob Constan, but the level was increased as part of a compromise to ensure the legislation's passage.

“It's a step in the right direction,” said Janette Kolodge, executive director of the Michigan chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, of the new law. “However, we don't feel that the BAC levels are low enough.”