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Michigan DUI Laws

DUI Defense in Michigan

Statutes, Penalties, and Defense Strategies

What you are facing, the deadlines that bind you, and the questions an attorney needs to answer — under Michigan (MI) DUI law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.17 (Super Drunk Law)

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

Lifetime

Prior offenses count within

⚠

14 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

Michigan gives you 14 days days from the arrest to ask for a DMV hearing. This is the

administrative hearing

Plain language

A DMV review of the license suspension — separate from the criminal court case, with its own paperwork and deadline.

that decides the license suspension. Miss the deadline and the suspension starts on its own, even if the criminal case ends in dismissal later.

First Offense Penalties in Michigan

Jail TimeUp to 93 days (up to 180 days if BAC 0.17+)
Fines$100 – $500 ($200 – $700 if BAC 0.17+)
License Suspension30-day suspension + 150-day restriction
Ignition Interlock

Plain language

A breath-tester wired into the car ignition. The car will not start without a clean sample.

Required for 1 year if BAC 0.17+

Implied Consent and Test Refusal

Michigan has an

implied consent law

Plain language

By driving on the state's roads, you have already agreed to a chemical test if an officer has probable cause to think you are impaired.

like every state. The test can be breath, blood, or urine. Refusing carries its own penalty, listed below.

Refusal Penalty

1-year license suspension + 6 points on driving record

Michigan-Specific Detail

Michigan's 'Super Drunk Law' (BAC 0.17+) nearly doubles the penalties for first-offense DUI. Michigan also uses a lifetime lookback for prior offenses.

Is your Michigan DUI defense on track?

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DUI Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Michigan DUI defendants.

Get the DUI Playbook — $127Read the Free DUI Guide

Other Michigan defense topics

Facing a different charge in Michigan? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:

Drug Possession in MichiganAssault in MichiganDomestic Violence in Michigan

Important: This page provides general legal information about Michigan DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Michigan-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.