Michigan lawmakers are proposing an Extreme Drunk Driving laws package that, if passed, would result in:
- Required Ignition Alcohol Interlock Device for first offense OWI convictions with a BAC of .15% (nearly 2x the legal limit for impairment)
- Required alcohol abuse treatment programs
- 45 days license suspension, after which the interlock device must be in the person’s vehicle for 1 year
Passage seems likely, and legislative support is overwhelming despite resistance from the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA). The MLBA questions the .15 BAC level, since nearly half of all Michigan OWI arrests are at that level, and is lobbying for more specificity in the contents of the requires alcohol education programs.
The bill is targeted at prevention, rather than punishment, which is a step in the right direction. More information on Michigan OWI Penalties.
