Michigan OWI | Drunk Driving in Michigan | DUI Laws and Penalties

Focus is on Reducing Driver Distractions

Lansing, Michigan - A recent string of deadly crashes involving teen drivers in Michigan highlights the ever-growing need to focus on the youngest and most inexperienced drivers on the road.  Of particular concern for traffic safety experts is driving distractions, which are especially hazardous for teen drivers.

According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, distractions - including passengers - are the number one reason new drivers crash.  Nationally in 2009, 16 percent of drivers under age 20 who were involved in a fatal crash were reported to have been distracted while driving.

Michigan Underage Drunk Driving Arrest

In the State of Michigan Drivers Under Age 21 face serious penalties for an OWI offense.

A first offense for a driver under age 21 with any amount of alcohol in his system is a misdemeanor, punishable by one or both of:

1.    Community service of up to 360 hours; and/or

2.    A fine of up to $250.

LANSING.  Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that 42 different state, county and local criminal justice agencies will receive $8.3 million in federal grants to help strengthen crime fighting efforts.  The funding is made possible through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) Program.

"Protecting Michigan citizens is a top priority and these grants will go a long way toward combating drug abuse and violence across the state," Granholm said.  "Local agencies will be able to help build stronger communities through increased drug prevention efforts, new equipment purchases and upgraded technology."

State Police Collects More than 1,500 Pounds of Potentially Dangerous Prescription Drugs from Citizens across the State

LANSING.  The Michigan State Police (MSP) today announced that more than 1,500 pounds of medication was collected at MSP posts across the state on nationwide prescription drug "Take Back" day held Saturday, September 25.  More than 6,600 pounds of medication was collected statewide.

The MSP partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other local law enforcement agencies on the nationwide initiative aimed at collecting potentially dangerous prescription drugs from citizens.

First Offense Operating Under the Influence [MCL 257.625(1)], Operating While Visibly Impaired [MCL 257.625(3)], or Operating under the Influence of Controlled Substance [MCL 257.625(8)].  

Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 257, Section 625 (MCL 257.625) addresses drunk or impaired driving offenses committed in the state of Michigan.  

The Michigan driver responsibility fee is assessed through two separate categories.

The first category is based on points accumulated over a 2 year period for offenses such as speeding, illegal turns, following too close, and other relatively minor traffic infractions.

So if a driver in the State of Michigan accumulates 7 points or above over two years time they will be assessed a driver responsibility fee based on the number of points they have accrued.

The “Category 1” fees start at $100 and for every point above 7 the fee goes up by $50.

Point Assessment and Related Driver Responsibility Fee

Statewide Crackdown Nets Over 500 Drunk Driving Arrests, Thousands of Other Traffic Citations.

During the statewide drunk driving crackdown, most Michigan motorists heeded the warning Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. as law enforcement agencies reported a decline in arrests and citations compared to last year's enforcement effort.

More than 200 law enforcement agencies took to the streets Aug. 19-Sept. 6 as part of the nationwide effort to reduce injuries and deaths caused by alcohol-related crashes.

The crackdown was coordinated by the Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) and paid for with federal traffic safety dollars.