Michigan Requirements
Michigan has multiple penalties for OWI offenders. There are administrative penalties and financial ones. This guide will go over the interlock process in Michigan.
DEVICES AVAILABLE - If you need to install a device to meet your state requirements, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an installation appointment.
The MI Ignition Interlock Program
Michigan offenders will likely have their license suspended for a period of time following an OWI offense, but they can regain driving privileges if they are approved for a restricted license. To be approved, they must meet several criteria including installing an ignition interlock device.This penalty is typically enforced, even for first offenders. Some offenders can get back behind the wheel if they obtain a restricted license. An ignition interlock is required, and Intoxalock meets all of Michigan’s criteria.What Happens if I Get an OWI in Michigan?
First OWI Offense
- Up to 93 days in jail
- 360 hours of community service
- Fine up to $500
- License restricted for 150 days or more
- License plate may be confiscated
- Six points added to the offender’s driving record
- Ignition interlock may be required to regain license
Second OWI Offense
- Five days to one year in jail
- 30-90 days of community service
- Must pay between $200-$1,000 in fines
- Suspension of driver’s license for one year
- Car immobilized for 90-180 days
- License plate may be confiscated
- Four points added to the offender’s driving record
- Interlock required to regain license
Third OWI Offense
- One to five years in jail, or probation with 30 days to one year in jail
- 60-180 days of community service
- Driver’s license revoked for at least one year (likely more, especially if the offense is the third within 10 years)
- $500 to $5,000 in fines
- Car immobilized for one to three years
- Six points added to the offender’s driving record
- Interlock required during suspension and treatment (and possibly longer)
If the incidents involve an elevated blood alcohol content, .17 percent or higher, there may be harsher penalties. There are also harsher penalties applied to offenders who cause injury, death, or property damage during the alcohol-related driving incident.
What Happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to an OWI Test in Michigan?
There are still consequences for offenders who refuse a chemical or breath test to determine their BAC. The consequences are similar to those faced by offenders found to have a blood alcohol content above the legal BAC limit in Michigan. They include:
- Six points added to the offender’s driving record
- License suspended for one year (on the first offense)
- License suspended for two years if it is the second offense and test refusal within seven years
- Repeat offenders are not allowed a hardship appeals process in circuit court for this scenario
How Do I Regain Driving Privileges in Michigan?
Some OWI offenders may be able to regain their driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock and are approved for a restricted license. The ignition interlock is required and may be required beyond the suspension period by the court. To qualify, offenders must:
- Install an IID from a trusted provider like Intoxalock
- Submit all appropriate paperwork to the court
- Pay all fees, serve any jail time
- Serve the required portion of their suspension
- Provide proof of SR-22 insurance
There may be additional criteria depending on the circumstances of the offense.
Get a Free Quote! Call 877-274-3419
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you in the next few minutes to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you during business hours to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
The Process: What to Expect
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Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
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Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
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Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
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Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
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Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
Interlock Cost in Michigan
Expert OWI Attorneys in Michigan
Edward A. Cherniak, PC
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Geherin Law Group, PLLC
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Klawuhn Law PC
Petoskey, MI 49770
Boria Law Office
Plymouth, MI 48170
Michigan FAQs
Yes, financial assistance is available for those with an annual income that is 150% below the federal poverty line.
Visit the Michigan locations page to review all locations in Michigan.
Check the Michigan state page for all DUI penalties.
Your Michigan driver’s license, and verification from your state monitoring authority. You won’t need to provide the authorization paperwork, but be sure to verify your eligibility for removal before having the device removed.
You should bring a Michigan driver’s license or state identification card to your installation appointment, and the name of the registered vehicle owner.
Ignition interlock costs may vary depending on the provider and type of interlock device you are required to install. Intoxalock customers in Michigan pay a deposit of $107.99 for installation, and a $29.99 set-up fee. Monthly leasing fees will be $107.99, but this amount can be paid monthly or bi-weekly.
You should have completed your court date or applied for license reinstatement prior to making your installation appointment. Our state specialists can help you make an appointment once you are ready for installation.
Michigan allows some drunk driving offenders to regain driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider. The state has a list of approved providers to choose from, and the state monitoring authority receives data once the interlock is installed.
An ignition interlock device is a safety device that ensures the car won't start if the driver has been drinking, acting as a preventive measure against drunk driving.
Once you have verified with the monitoring authority that you are eligible for removal, you can proceed with removal plans. Make your removal appointment with the interlock provider you had the device installed by.
Intoxlaock can help. We partner with many experienced DUI attorneys throughout the state and can provide you with contact information.
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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
