There’s no such thing as a safe drunk driver, but there is such a thing as an extremely dangerous drink driver, said Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh.
And now, under a new state law, anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .17 or above will be considered extremely dangerous.
Effective Oct. 31, anyone caught driving with a .17 BAC or higher will face a graduated penalty schedule.
According to information from the Michigan Office of Highway Planning, anyone who operates a motor vehicle with a high BAC could be nailed down with 180 days in jail (increased from 93 days), a fine of at least $200 but not more than $700 (increased from not less than $100 but not more than $500), and a one-year license suspension with restrictions permitted after 45 days (increased from six-month license suspension with restrictions permitted after 30 days). Other penalties will stay at the same level as drivers caught with a BAC of .08 or higher: up to 360 hours community service; cost of prosecution; immobilization not exceeding 180 days allowed (same); six points on the driving record; and mandatory rehabilitation.
Narsh said, ‘In a good economy, you can’t afford a drunk driving arrest. If nothing else makes you stop and pause before driving, consider the costs this will bring to you and your family. It’s simply not worth it.?