Michigan DMV Permit Test Alcohol, Distracted Driving, Seat Belts, and Points Summary

In Michigan, a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or more is operating while intoxicated (OWI). A BAC of 0.17 or more brings higher "super drunk" penalties. Even one drink can slow your reactions.

Wrong choices

• 0.05 or higher: The OWI level is 0.08, though even one drink can impair you.
• 0.10 or higher: Michigan's OWI level is 0.08.
• 0.02 or higher: The OWI level for drivers 21 and older is 0.08.

Many people think coffee, a cold shower, exercise, or fresh air can sober them up. They cannot. The only thing that sobers you up is time. Plan a designated driver ahead of time.

Wrong choices

• Fresh air and exercise: These do not remove alcohol from your body.
• Black coffee: Coffee may make you feel awake but does not remove alcohol.
• A cold shower: A shower does not lower your alcohol level.

Michigan requires everyone in the front seat, including the driver, and all passengers under 16 in any seat to be buckled. An officer may stop a vehicle if people are not properly buckled.

Wrong choices

• Only children under 8: Children under 8 need a car seat or booster; others must also buckle up.
• Only the driver: Front-seat passengers and all passengers under 16 must also be buckled.
• Only people riding on freeways: The law applies on all roads.

Points go on your record only after a conviction for a moving violation. They stay for two years from the conviction date. Most convictions themselves stay on your record for at least seven years.

Wrong choices

• Seven years: Seven years is how long most convictions stay on the record, not the points.
• One year from the date of the ticket: Points stay two years and count from conviction.
• Permanently: Only certain convictions, such as impaired driving, stay permanently; points last two years.

A 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and a 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey all contain the same amount of alcohol. The effects are the same whichever you drink.

Wrong choices

• A 5-ounce glass of whiskey: A standard shot of whiskey is 1.5 ounces.
• A 12-ounce glass of wine: A standard serving of wine is 5 ounces.
• Two 12-ounce cans of beer: That is twice as much alcohol.

Children must ride in a car seat or booster until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first. Children under 4 must ride in the rear seat if there is one. A rear-facing seat may go in front only if the passenger air bag is off.

Wrong choices

• Until age 4: Children under 4 must ride in the back seat when possible, but car seats are required longer.
• Until age 12: Age 12 and under is a suggestion for rear-seat riding, not the car seat rule.
• Until age 6, if they weigh at least 40 pounds: The rule is age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches.

Under implied consent, all drivers are considered to have agreed to a chemical test when they apply for or renew their license. Refusing results in a license suspension and 6 points.

Wrong choices

• Police need your written permission for any test: Your consent is already given when you apply for or renew your license.
• You may refuse a chemical test with no penalty: Refusing brings a license suspension and 6 points.
• It applies only to commercial drivers: It applies to all drivers.

A BAC of 0.08 is OWI. At 0.17 or more, Michigan's high-BAC law adds tougher penalties. Drivers under 21 may have no alcohol at all.

Wrong choices

• 0.15 or higher: The high-BAC level is 0.17.
• 0.20 or higher: The penalties start at 0.17.
• 0.10 or higher: The high-BAC level is 0.17.

Under the general point system, speeding 6 to 10 mph over is 2 points, 11 to 15 mph over is 3 points, and 16 mph or more over is 4 points. Work zones have their own, higher schedule.

Wrong choices

• 6 points: 6 points is for the most serious offenses, such as reckless driving.
• 2 points: 2 points is for 6 to 10 mph over.
• 3 points: 3 points is for 11 to 15 mph over.

Michigan's hands-free law (in effect since June 30, 2023) bans holding or manually using a phone while driving, including reading, texting, and calls. You may use voice or hands-free mode after a single tap to start or end a function, and you may always call to report an emergency.

Wrong choices

• Scrolling social media on a phone in a mount: Reading or posting to social media is not allowed while driving.
• Holding the phone to talk while driving: Holding a phone while driving is illegal.
• Typing an address into the GPS by hand while moving: GPS use is allowed only if you do not enter information by hand.