The New
Michigan
Drunk
Driving Law

On October 1, 2003, the Michigan Legislature enacted a new Drunk Driving Law. This legislation is best known for lowering the maximum blood alcohol content allowed to .08, but also has many other ramifications as will be explained in this brochure.

While no driver expects this law to affect him or her, you will be in violation if you consume alcoholic beverages and operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more. For a 180-pound person, that is four (4) drinks. A police officer can stop and interrogate you if he or she has a reasonable suspicionyou may be over the limit. The officer may ask you to perform dexterity tasks, such as walking a straight line, touching your nose with your eyes closed, or reciting the ABC’s.

You may also be asked to submit to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT), which is a portable Breathalyzer that officers carry in their cruisers. If the officer concludes that you are intoxicated or the PBT indicates that your blood alcohol content is .08 or more, you will be placed under arrest, handcuffed, and transported to the police station or county jail. There you will be asked to submit to another chemical test to determine the alcohol content of your blood.