Drink-driving limits in Michigan (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Michigan sets its own drink-driving rules. Fields not shown are not yet verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: any bodily alcohol content, meaning 0.02 or more but under 0.08, or any presence of alcohol from drinking (other than a religious service). [1] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | Causing a death while intoxicated: felony, up to 15 years in prison or a fine of USD 2,500 to 10,000, or both (up to 20 years if 0.17 or more and a prior conviction within 7 years). Causing serious impairment of a body function: up to 5 years or USD 1,000 to 5,000. [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Commercial motor vehicle: 0.04 or more (but less than 0.08) is an offence of its own; the 0.08 general limit applies above that. [2] |
Notes
- The statute raises the limit to 0.10 five years after the state treasurer certifies that Michigan no longer receives federal highway funding conditioned on a national blood alcohol limit (subsection 28). The snapshot does not show such a certification; 0.08 applies.
- Beginning 5 years after the state treasurer publishes a certification under MCL 257.625(28), the range becomes 0.04 or more but less than 0.10. The copy read is a snapshot dated 13 July 2025 and may predate later amendments.
Sources
- Michigan Legislature: MCL 257.625 Operating motor vehicle while intoxicated (Internet Archive snapshot of 8 January 2026) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Michigan Legislature: MCL 257.625m Operation of commercial motor vehicle by person with certain alcohol content (Internet Archive snapshot of 13 July 2025) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Michigan and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 0.08% | Any alcohol (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 15 yrs / USD 10,000 (death) |
| Illinois | 0.08% | Zero (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicles) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Class A misdemeanor (1st) |
| Minnesota | 0.08% | Any alcohol, under 21 | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 7 years, $14,000 (felony) |
| Ohio | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicles) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Fine $375-$1,075, min. 3 days jail |
| Wisconsin | 0.08% | Zero (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1st: $150-$300 forfeiture |
More rules in Michigan
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 12 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (business district) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 years 9 months (level 1)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 14+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (consumer fireworks; licensed retail) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; "dangerous weapon" concealed is banned · Locking or one-handed knives: Former mechanical-opening ban repealed (2017)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $13.73 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Adults: no; under 16: yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.