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 (effective June 30, 2023)

    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 Universal helmet law repealed 2012.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