This St. Patrick’s Day is the first when Michigan’s new “super drunk” law is in force, where first-time drunken drivers whose blood alcohol level exceeds .16 are hit with enhanced penalties.
That’s prompting Michigan State Police to issue reminders about the law, plus these statistics from last year’s St. Patrick’s Day:
– 101 people were arrested in Michigan for drunken driving (level .08 or higher).
– 34 of those arrests were at “’super drunk” levels.
– Two people died in alcohol-involved crashes.
“Drunk drivers will need more than the luck of the Irish,” said Michael L. Prince, Office of Highway Safety Planning director. He urged people who drink to designate a sober driver.
“Michigan law enforcement take drunk driving very seriously. If you drive drunk you will be caught and you will be arrested.”
Here are maximum penalties for a drunken driving conviction: 93 days in jail, $500 fine, 360 hours community service, 180 days driving suspension, 6 points on a driver’s license.
Here are enhanced penalties for first-time drunk drivers who test at super drunk levels: up to 180 days in jail, $700 fine, and a mandatory alcohol treatment program for one year. In addition, there is a one-year license suspension, with limited driving privileges after 45 days.
A costly ignition interlock is required if motorists want limited driving privileges after 45 days. Installed on their vehicle, the device prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver’s breath measures .025 or above.
In addition, all convicted drunk drivers pay a $1,000 fee for two years, and refusing a breath test brings an automatic one-year driver’s license suspension.
