polarisrider1
New member
Who has the run down on this? what are the new changes? Heard it went into effect Nov.1
New Michigan drunk driving laws
- Thread starter polarisrider1
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skdoo500adr
New member
Found this on info site: "Currently if a driver's blood-alcohol level is .08, they are legally drunk. Starting Oct. 31, if that blood-alcohol level is .17, the driver is twice the legal limit and becomes legally "super drunk."
The fines will be doubled, even for first-time offenders. Instead of 93 possible days in jail, the penalty jumps to 180 days in jail.
Fines go up from $200 to $500 all the way up to $8,000, and instead of a six-month license suspension, the "super drunk" driver could face a year suspension.
The caveat is that after 45 days, it's possible for a "super drunk" driver to get a severely restricted license that includes paying for and installing an ignition interlock system. The device measures blood-alcohol levels and won't allow the car to start if the driver is legally drunk.
The fines will be doubled, even for first-time offenders. Instead of 93 possible days in jail, the penalty jumps to 180 days in jail.
Fines go up from $200 to $500 all the way up to $8,000, and instead of a six-month license suspension, the "super drunk" driver could face a year suspension.
The caveat is that after 45 days, it's possible for a "super drunk" driver to get a severely restricted license that includes paying for and installing an ignition interlock system. The device measures blood-alcohol levels and won't allow the car to start if the driver is legally drunk.
polarisrider1
New member
Wonderful, Now we have "drunk" and "super drunk" laws. What's next "Mega drunk". I guess if it saves lives it is worth it. I suspect it is really a way to raise money for the state under disguise. The entrapment part of it is what bugs me. Give a guy a fair chance to get out of the Bar parking lot at least. It's kinda like shooting deer on a bait pile in my neck of the woods.
polarisrider1
New member
I heard there is also a "drivers responsibility cost each yr., probation, impounding of vehicle, AA meetings, etc. etc. along with Lawyer fees. I heard you even have to pay for your lodging in jail if you have a job. Something like $35 a night? And the list goes on.
Firecatguy
New member
all things we been doing here for years........
polarisrider1
New member
Pat, you guys got a "super drunk law?" in MN. I bet Wisconsin would never do such a thing.
The local radio station interviewed a MI lawyer who discussed the law, the impact and why. He said more and more of the DUI stops are for people blowing .16 or higher. This is getting way beyond slightly impaired and they wanted to be more agressive with the worse offenders. With the old law the offender would be back on the road pretty quick, this law is supposed to change that and the 'super drunk' can't get back out there as quickly.
He also said if convicted you would be looking at $8-12K in costs - fines, lawyer fees, interlock for your car, etc.
I'm OK with this law, drunk drivers (road and trail) scare me. .16 and up is really drunk!
Speaking of which, I wonder if this law does apply to operation of snowmobiles and other powersports vehicles......
He also said if convicted you would be looking at $8-12K in costs - fines, lawyer fees, interlock for your car, etc.
I'm OK with this law, drunk drivers (road and trail) scare me. .16 and up is really drunk!
Speaking of which, I wonder if this law does apply to operation of snowmobiles and other powersports vehicles......
1flatlander2
Member
do you need a dl to drive a sled? what happens if you don't have dl and get stopped on a sled?
michaeladams
New member
in wisconsin your driver license is tied in with your toys.if you get a drunk driving in your boat or on your sled or atv you lose your driving privilage.even on a lawn mower.i've even heard of people getting arrested for operating a bicycle on public roadways while intoxicated,i don't think they could take your drivers permit for bicycle.
Eagle River Mike
Member
Unless something recently passed, not true. See news artcicle below.
MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle said he supports a recommendation made Monday to stiffen penalties for driving drunk on a snowmobile.
The Snowmobile Recreation Council on Monday asked state leaders to consider tying an operating while intoxicated charge on a snowmobile, or other recreational vehicle, to a person's regular driver's license.
If this recommendation becomes reality, it could be one of the most aggressive approaches ever implemented to combat drunken driving on state trails and waterways.
The governor's Snowmobile Recreation Council met Monday in Steven's Point and approved a recommendation that it has been working on for the last nine years.
The recommendation increases penalties for drunken driving on any recreational vehicle -- and a second offense within five years would make the offense criminal, suspending the person's regular driver's license for a year. The recommendation now goes to the governor's office and to the Department of Natural Resources for consideration.
"I'll look to see exactly what the DNR board is recommending," said Doyle. "But I certainly support efforts to do everything we can to discourage drunk snowmobile driving."
The Snowmobile Recreation Council approved the recommendations by a 10-3 vote.
"Looking at what the attitude of Wisconsin folks is towards the alcoholic culture, it's time for a change," said Snowmobile Recreation Council member Rick Steimel. "We feel that we are in line with the momentum that's out there right now -- and this has a good chance to go."
"Chance" is the key word, because there could be a long road ahead for this recommendation to become legislation, WISC-TV reported.
If the recommendations get the blessing of the governor and the DNR, a search will begin for a legislator to draft a bill and bring it to the full Legislature. Many snowmobile leaders said they're optimistic that a bill could become law in time for this coming snowmobile season.
There is wide support among user groups for this recommendation. Just about every group -- boating and ATV clubs -- said the recommendation is a good one.
However, Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs has not offered its support. Leaders at AWSC have admitted in the past that there is a problem, but they still said they're not sure if this is the right way to go.
AWSC has been pushing for more enforcement on trails, which is something the DNR said is not possible during these tight budget times.
A call to the president of AWSC had not been returned by Tuesday evening.
MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle said he supports a recommendation made Monday to stiffen penalties for driving drunk on a snowmobile.
The Snowmobile Recreation Council on Monday asked state leaders to consider tying an operating while intoxicated charge on a snowmobile, or other recreational vehicle, to a person's regular driver's license.
If this recommendation becomes reality, it could be one of the most aggressive approaches ever implemented to combat drunken driving on state trails and waterways.
The governor's Snowmobile Recreation Council met Monday in Steven's Point and approved a recommendation that it has been working on for the last nine years.
The recommendation increases penalties for drunken driving on any recreational vehicle -- and a second offense within five years would make the offense criminal, suspending the person's regular driver's license for a year. The recommendation now goes to the governor's office and to the Department of Natural Resources for consideration.
"I'll look to see exactly what the DNR board is recommending," said Doyle. "But I certainly support efforts to do everything we can to discourage drunk snowmobile driving."
The Snowmobile Recreation Council approved the recommendations by a 10-3 vote.
"Looking at what the attitude of Wisconsin folks is towards the alcoholic culture, it's time for a change," said Snowmobile Recreation Council member Rick Steimel. "We feel that we are in line with the momentum that's out there right now -- and this has a good chance to go."
"Chance" is the key word, because there could be a long road ahead for this recommendation to become legislation, WISC-TV reported.
If the recommendations get the blessing of the governor and the DNR, a search will begin for a legislator to draft a bill and bring it to the full Legislature. Many snowmobile leaders said they're optimistic that a bill could become law in time for this coming snowmobile season.
There is wide support among user groups for this recommendation. Just about every group -- boating and ATV clubs -- said the recommendation is a good one.
However, Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs has not offered its support. Leaders at AWSC have admitted in the past that there is a problem, but they still said they're not sure if this is the right way to go.
AWSC has been pushing for more enforcement on trails, which is something the DNR said is not possible during these tight budget times.
A call to the president of AWSC had not been returned by Tuesday evening.
booondocker
New member
Actually, Michigan has had this law for quite some time. If you drive a boat drunk, or any "motorized" machine, you might as well be driving your car or truck because it will have broad and sweeping consequences for you in front of the judge.
I love the "sporting chance" out of the parking lot of the bar....comment, as if this is some sort of gamble some are willing to take.
Driving while impaired with a 2 ton piece of equipment is like shooting your deer rifle down the state highway. Maybe you can do it and get away with it, but then....why would you try to do it?
I love the "sporting chance" out of the parking lot of the bar....comment, as if this is some sort of gamble some are willing to take.
Driving while impaired with a 2 ton piece of equipment is like shooting your deer rifle down the state highway. Maybe you can do it and get away with it, but then....why would you try to do it?
polarisrider1
New member
Quoting my quote. In my neck of the woods the police automaticaly pull cars over when there tires hit the road. Lights go on. They can always find a reason. The bartenders at the club I hang out at get pulled over and harrassed almost nightly when they leave for home at the end of their shift. Stone sober. The "locals" think yup I got one this time. They actually are pissed when they realized they got a sober one and now have to justify why they pulled them over. We always have a designated driver. No one wants the job in fear of harrasement. I am all about saving lives but leaving a bar is NOT an admission of guilt. Mean while across the street in another parking lot someone is getting robbed, killed or even worse. Those crimes do not make the state money. it costs them money. So in the mean time our bar tenders and designated drivers get made up charges or minimal charges to justify the illegal pull over. Such as "failure to complete stop at end of driveway before entering traffic", "failure to signal when leaving a parking lot." etc. etc. The police know they will "get One" soon enough this way and they can be the heros back at the station for raising the most money for our soon to be departed Queen. just my view.
polarisrider1
New member
still ranting, If the police are truly concerned for everyones safety, maybe they should breathalize everyone as they leave the door of the bar and determine if you need a cab or not at that point. Wait that again costs the state money. yet saves lives. No let's wait until they hit the road and get them. Bingo Money making time. sure the assumed drunk could of killed someone leaving the lot, but as the state views it as a calculated risk of income generation. Glad I am at home I need a drink.lol
chords
Active member
In MI I believe if you are at the point of getting your DL suspended, it has always been for 1 year.
And attending AA, counseling, probation,, is not required after a suspension. You do all that before your sentence to show the judge your serious. The court doesnt care what you do after that. BUT if you want any chance of DL reinstatement after 12 months you better be a role model and have a clean and sober record.
Didja know that it takes a year or more between when you are a candidate for the mandatory DL suspension for it to actually happen ? And during that year the you can legally drive unrestricted ? Those paper plates in the rear window make you a moving target though.
Oh and I believe boat infractions are still covered by the old .10 law.
And attending AA, counseling, probation,, is not required after a suspension. You do all that before your sentence to show the judge your serious. The court doesnt care what you do after that. BUT if you want any chance of DL reinstatement after 12 months you better be a role model and have a clean and sober record.
Didja know that it takes a year or more between when you are a candidate for the mandatory DL suspension for it to actually happen ? And during that year the you can legally drive unrestricted ? Those paper plates in the rear window make you a moving target though.
Oh and I believe boat infractions are still covered by the old .10 law.
michaeladams
New member
maybe you don't lose your license but a few years ago i was checked by the dnr,we were floating down the river drinking beer that day and the warden told me if he saw me operating the boat with the motor he would arrest me for o.w.i. a couple years ago they were talking about tieing it with your license and they even issued a date that i went into effect so you better check the date of your news clip cause i'm pretty sure they would take your driving privlage away.it was the same year 55 at night started
felonious_rider
New member
Blahblahblah
Its really sad to see the people bashing the Police or DNR for doing their job. I am not excusing the Police or DNR for BAR SITTING or some of them getting out of hand by harassing bar patrons, but when you get the negative attitude from the public because they are doing their (Police/DNR) jobs then in some respects I can understand and feel for the Officers that get crapped on for doing their jobs, Law Enforcement is there to save your butts, not kiss them. It is our individual responsibility to be responsible and not drink until we are drunk before we drive and not for the Police to be standing at the door with a breathalyzer, saying nope, you can drive your drunk. Oh, one more thing, the Police don't develope and implement the law, they enforce it.
I am all for going to the bar and having a couple of beers but not while riding my sled. Our Justice system is not always right but it is the best one out there. I guess some of the persons that replied on this posting will never know to the extent (like me) what it feels like to pull three dead teenagers (none of them had where drinking or doing drugs, coming home from a Friday night High School football game) from a car that was struck by a drunk driver that just left the bar 3 minutes prior, and then having to explain to their parents that they will never see their children again because of an irresponsible person that felt compled to get hammered.
Its really sad to see the people bashing the Police or DNR for doing their job. I am not excusing the Police or DNR for BAR SITTING or some of them getting out of hand by harassing bar patrons, but when you get the negative attitude from the public because they are doing their (Police/DNR) jobs then in some respects I can understand and feel for the Officers that get crapped on for doing their jobs, Law Enforcement is there to save your butts, not kiss them. It is our individual responsibility to be responsible and not drink until we are drunk before we drive and not for the Police to be standing at the door with a breathalyzer, saying nope, you can drive your drunk. Oh, one more thing, the Police don't develope and implement the law, they enforce it.
I am all for going to the bar and having a couple of beers but not while riding my sled. Our Justice system is not always right but it is the best one out there. I guess some of the persons that replied on this posting will never know to the extent (like me) what it feels like to pull three dead teenagers (none of them had where drinking or doing drugs, coming home from a Friday night High School football game) from a car that was struck by a drunk driver that just left the bar 3 minutes prior, and then having to explain to their parents that they will never see their children again because of an irresponsible person that felt compled to get hammered.
A-Men felonious_rider!
Very well put. Some folks seem to forget that the only way you are going to get caught breaking the law is IF YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW!
Grow up, act responsibly and you have no worries.
Not that I am for a nanny state, but some folks do think drinking and driving is a sport and some even go so far as to be like they are in training for the Olympics!
With all of that said, I don't think it is good practice for them to sit outside a bar and wait for patrons to get in their vehicles and turn the key on, unless that establishment is thumbing it's nose at their responsibilities to make sure their patrons are not stumbling out of the place plastered.
-John
Very well put. Some folks seem to forget that the only way you are going to get caught breaking the law is IF YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW!
Grow up, act responsibly and you have no worries.
Not that I am for a nanny state, but some folks do think drinking and driving is a sport and some even go so far as to be like they are in training for the Olympics!
With all of that said, I don't think it is good practice for them to sit outside a bar and wait for patrons to get in their vehicles and turn the key on, unless that establishment is thumbing it's nose at their responsibilities to make sure their patrons are not stumbling out of the place plastered.
-John