State of Michigan IID Requirements
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First Offense OWI in Michigan
Michigan has multiple OWI offense categories. For alcohol-related offenses, offenders may receive up to 93 days in jail. Other penalties can include up to 360 hours of community service and fines of up to $500. The offender’s driver’s license can be suspended for up to 180 days, and 6 points may be added to their license. In order to regain driving privileges, offenders may be required to install an ignition interlock device from a trusted provider like (Intoxalock ). They must serve out up to 45 days of their suspension before applying for a restricted license. An IID may allow offenders to drive if approved for a restricted license.
For offenders with a BAC higher than .17, penalties increase. Offenders may have to pay fines up to $700, spend up to 180 days in jail, and perform up to 360 hours of community service. Their driver’s license could be suspended for up to one year, and 6 points may be added. In addition to these penalties, offenders are required to complete an alcohol treatment plan.
In addition to the fines, offenders may be subject to additional fines of $1,000 per year for one year per the Driver Responsibility Act.
Second Offense OWI in Michigan
If the offense is within seven years of a prior offense, they risk a jail term of 5 days to 1 year, and/or 30 to 90 days of community service. They may also be required to pay fines of $200 to $1,000. Repeat offenders are also subject to penalties set forth in the Driver Responsibility Act and may be required to pay a $1,000 per year penalty for two years. Some offenders may be able to obtain a restricted license if they install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider, like (Intoxalock ).
Third Offense OWI in Michigan
Penalties are harsher for three-time offenders, and Michigan applies them no matter how long ago the previous offenses were. Fines can total between $500 and $5,000, and offenders may be required to spend one to five years in jail. Some offenders may be offered probation following a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 1 year in the county jail, followed by community service for 60 to 180 days. They may also have their driver’s license revoked or denied for up to a year, or up to five if the license was revoked in the past seven years.
Refusing a Test in Michigan
Refusing a breath or chemical test at the sight of a potential drunk driving incident is a civil infraction. If the offender refuses a chemical test after they are arrested or detained at the police station, this will result in an automatic driver’s license suspension for one year. A second refusal within 7 years of the first refusal will result in a two-year license suspension.
How Long Do I Need an Interlock in Michigan?
Offenders who are required to install an ignition interlock device must keep the interlock installed for the duration of the suspension period. In some cases, the interlock term may be extended.
How Do I Get My Driving Privileges Back in Michigan?
Michigan requires that habitual offenders install and use an ignition interlock device in order to regain driving privileges in many cases. To qualify for driving privileges offenders may need to:
- Install an IID from a trusted provider like (Intoxalock )
- Submit all appropriate paperwork to the court
- Complete any mandated treatment program
- Fulfill community service requirements
- Pay all fees, serve any jail time
- Serve the required portion of their suspension
- Provide proof of appropriate insurance coverage