Michigan

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Michigan. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

  • Alcohol Impaired Driving

    Penalties

    Increased Penalty for High BAC Administrative License Suspension on First Offense Limited Driving Privileges During Suspension
    .17 30-180 days After 45 days

    Ignition Interlocks

    Mandatory for high BAC (0.17) and repeat convictions

    Other

    Open Container Laws Repeat Offender Laws
    Yes Yes

     

  • Child Passenger Safety

    Child Restraint Required

    Under age 8 and under 57" tall

    Under 4 yrs in rear seat, if available

    Adult Safety Belt Permissible

    8-15 yrs or 57" or taller

  • Distracted Driving

    Hand-Held Ban?

    Yes

    All Cell Phone Ban?

    School Bus Drivers

    Yes, handheld ban. Primary law.

    Novice Drivers

    Yes, Handheld ban. Primary law.

    Text Messaging Ban?

    All drivers. Primary law.

  • Drug Impaired Driving

    DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

    • Zero tolerance for some drugs

    Marijuana-Specific Laws

    • Possession and Use: Legal for medical and recreational use
    • Impaired Driving: Zero tolerance for THC
  • Mature Drivers

    Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

    4 years

    Provisions for Mature Drivers

    None

     

  • Motorcyclists

    Helmets required for riders under 21 or for riders and passengers without additional insurance. Universal helmet law repealed 2012.

  • Seat Belts

    Type of Law

    Primary

    Who Is Covered?

    16 and over

    In What Seat?

    Front

  • Speed and Red Light Cameras

    Speed Cameras

    None (State law requires law enforcement to witness violations)

    Red Light Cameras

    None (State law requires law enforcement to witness violations)

  • Speeding and Aggressive Driving

    Rural Interstates

    Cars (MPH) Trucks (MPH)
    70 (75 on select segments) 65

    Urban Interstates

    Cars (MPH) Trucks (MPH)
    70 60; 55 if speed limit for cars is less than 70 MPH

    Other Limited Access Roads

    Cars (MPH) Trucks (MPH)
    70 60; 55 if speed limit for cars is less than 70 MPH
  • Teen and Novice Drivers

    Full Privilege Minimum Age

    17 years

    Learner Stage

    Minimum Age (Years/Months)

    Minimum Duration (Months)

    Required Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours)
    14 / 9 6 50 (10)

    Intermediate Stage

    Minimum Age (Years/Months)

    		 Nighttime Driving Restriction

    Passenger Restriction (except family, unless noted)
    16 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. No more than 1 under 21