Michigan Ignition Interlock Violation Penalties

Michigan requires ignition interlock installations for different DWI offenders. For instance, a person convicted with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level between .08 and .17 could be ordered to install an ignition interlock device. In the case of “Super Drunk” DWI offenders in Michigan, the installation is mandatory, as well as for habitual offenders with more than two convictions in seven years or more than three convictions in 10 years. Michigan does allow a short period of time for you to get used to your ignition interlock device at the beginning of the installation. After that time, any violations will result in the following restrictions and consequences:

• Three start-up test failures within a monitoring period or failure to report for IID service within 7 days of a “monitoring date” will result in a three-month extension of the ignition interlock requirement.
• Rolling re-test violations (not testing or testing positive for alcohol), circumventing or tampering with the ignition interlock device or operating a vehicle without an IID will cause you to lose your driver’s license.
• Any other drunk driving arrests or convictions while you have an IID requirement will also cause you to lose your driver’s license. If convicted, you will also be considered a habitual offender and face harsher consequences as a result.

These devices increase your ability to stay employed while serving out the terms of your DWI sentence, and you are able to retain much of the freedom you could lose if you choose to continue driving while intoxicated. Since you have met the requirements for an ignition interlock device in Michigan, the last thing you want to do is risk losing it and having to rely on others for transportation. Trust your ignition interlock device: no matter how much you may feel you are able to drive after “one for the road,” the last thing you want to face is more legal issues and the possibility of a tragedy on the road.