Drugs, Alcohol and the Law
New underage drinking and driving provisions
Michigan has established a "zero tolerance" policy for drivers under 21, meaning their blood alcohol concentration cannot exceed .02 percent. That means even one beer is one too many.
Minors with no prior alcohol conviction face a: 30-90 day license suspension, up to 45 days of community service and/or up to a $250 fine
Minors with at least one prior alcohol conviction face a: license suspension of 90 days to a year, not more than 60 days of community service and/or up to a $500 fine.
The offense is a four-point misdemeanor.
Refusal of a preliminary breath test is a two-point civil infraction. Other penalties include a fine up to $100 as well as court costs.
Minors will be faced with a $125 driver license reinstatement fee when full driving privileges are returned.
Convicted minors must undergo screening and assessment to determine whether they are likely to benefit from alcohol or drug education or treatment programs. Minors will also be responsible for paying for these assessments.
Our teens need to know that the adolescent body is very vulnerable to alcohol. One of the first effects alcohol has on the body is to depress judgment centers of the brain, thereby reducing inhibitions. The newest skills learned are the first to be lost, e.g. driving ability of a teenager. Because of the physical immaturity of the adolescent body, physical damage and addiction caused by alcohol occur at a faster rate.