Watch CBS News

State To Crack Down On 'Super Drunk' Drivers

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation allowing communities to enforce local ordinances targeting drivers considered "super drunk."

Snyder said Wednesday that the legislation gives "communities the tools to be effective partners in protecting Michigan families."

The state's tougher "super drunk" law went into the books on Halloween 2010, but Snyder's office said police couldn't write such tickets under local ordinances.

The new laws are aimed at drivers at least twice above the legal limit of point 0-8. If you blow a point 1-7 or higher, you will face double the jail time, along with bigger fines — estimated at $8,000, along with mandatory alcohol treatment and losing your driving privileges for 45 days. Plus, you will be forced to buy an on-board breathalyzer, which keeps your car from starting if you've had one too many.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.