New Michigan drunken driving law coming on Halloween

10/25/2010

LANSING, Mich. — A new Michigan law is coming that increases the penalties against drunken drivers.

The law that takes effect Sunday creates a new "high blood-alcohol content" category for drivers. The law roughly doubles many penalties for motorists with a blood-alcohol content of .17 — more than twice the legal limit.

Such drivers could face up to 180 days in jail — increased from 93 — and a one-year license suspension — up from six months.

A suspended motorist can drive with restrictions after 45 days, but he must have a device installed in his vehicle that prevents it from starting if it measures a blood-alcohol level of at least .025.

The law coincides with drunken driving enforcement on and around Halloween.