Impaired Driving in Michigan
In 2023, nearly 41 percent of fatalities on Michigan roadways involved alcohol and/or drugs.

In Michigan during 2023, there were 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes (with 297 fatalities) and 2,250 drug-involved crashes (with 256 fatalities), according to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

To help keep all roadway users safe during the winter holidays, there will be expanded enforcement with increased patrols from December 11, 2024, to January 1, 2025, with zero tolerance for those who drive impaired.

From 2019 to 2023, there were 30 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in Michigan during the holiday periods. Thirteen (13) of the 30 people killed (43.3%) were in crashes that involved alcohol and/or drug impairment.

In all crashes occurring over the 2023 holiday period in Michigan, 11 people died.

The Michigan State Police, county sheriff offices and municipal police departments across Michigan are encouraging motorists to celebrate safely and make smart driving decisions. During the nearly three-week campaign, there will be increased enforcement and messaging about the dangers of driving impaired. 

Officers will be on the lookout for motorists under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol throughout the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement period. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer thinks they are impaired. 

Other facts drivers should know
Police officers will be looking for cannabis impairment based on: 1. Driving behavior 2. Officer’s observations of the driver 3. How a driver performs on field sobriety tests

Based on these three stages of an investigation, a police officer may request a chemical test. If a driver refuses to submit to a chemical test, their license will be suspended pursuant to Michigan’s implied consent law. Under this law, all drivers are considered to have given consent to the test when they apply for and renew their driver’s license.

Learn more about the costs and consequences of driving impaired.