How Long Does DUI Conviction Affect my Michigan Driving Record

Reader’s Question:

I live in Michigan. I would like to know how long does a DUI conviction  affect my car insurance rate in my state.

Alfred

Lansing MI

In Michigan, they adopted an .08 BAC standard for DUI conviction. According to drivers responsibility program, those who have been convicted of DUI or drunk driving are subject to a $1000 penalty fee for about two years.

In Michigan, if this is your first offense of DUI, a convicted person may face up to 93 days in jail and may pay a fine up to $500. You will aslo be required by the state for 360 hours of community service and 6 points will be added to your driving record. Your drivers license will also be suspended for 30 days or so.

Drunk driving violation may stay in your driving record for 10 years. After DUI conviction, your car insurance rates may be affected for about three years.

According to the Michigan Financial and Insurance services, insurers may deny coverage if within the past three years you have been convicted of DUI or driving under the influence.

There are various ways on how to lower down your car insurance premium after DUI conviction. One way to do this is to shop for car insurance prices. Make sure you compare car insurance rates offered by these car insurance companies. Do not expect to get a cheap insurance rate since you will be put in the high risk category if you have a DUI conviction in your record.

Where to Get a Drivers License After DUI Conviction

Reader’s Question:

I received a DUI but I don’t want to lose my license, so I just want to know if there is a US state where I can get a driver’s license? And how will it affect my insurance policy?

Noreen

Thank you for asking Noreen.

All states have laws regarding driving while drinking or driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and other serious offenses. In all states a DUI is a serious offense with associated penalties such as jail time, fines, suspension of driver’s license, etc. Most of these states are also part of the Driver’s License Agreement which means that they forward their DMV records with each other so the DUI charge would follow you if you move to another state.

You won’t find out if your license will be suspended or revoked until after you go to court and are convicted and sentenced. There may be provisions in your state to allow you to drive to work. Of course, any change in your status as a licensed driver will affect your insurance policy. You an expect higher rates as a high risk driver, and you may even have your policy cancelled and have to shop for new coverage.

There are some states which allow offenders to operate their vehicles that are equipped with ignition interlocks. This device checks the driver’s breath and will disable the ignition if it determines the motorist has been drinking. I would suggest that you get legal advice regarding this to check if there is anyway in which you could not lose your license.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Will my License Be Suspended if Caught Driving Without Insurance

Reader’s Question:

I just want to know if there is a suspension that is mandatory for driving without insurance?

Kaye

Thank you for asking Kaye.

Driving without insurance is considered a serious offense in most states. The penalty for this kind of infraction varies from state to state. This can include large amount of fines, suspension or revocation of your drivers license, impoundment of your vehicle (and payment of storage and towing charges incurred), jail time or community service. Most states, for instance, New Jersey, the mandatory penalties for a person found driving without insurance are even greater than those for a person receiving a DUI citation for the first time.

It is regulated by each state.

It is also likely that you will have to comply with the state’s financial responsibility laws by getting an SR22 or the Financial Responsibility Certificate.

Goodluck!

MariCAR