After repeat OWI convictions, a Michigan driver may qualify for a restricted license that allows driving only a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, but only after the license has been suspended or revoked for 45 days and a specialty court judge certifies admission to an interlock program (MCL 257.304). Tampering with or getting around the device is a separate crime.
Reviewed by Attorney Kevin Bessant, Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates. Last reviewed October 2026.
Interlock and restricted licenses at a glance
| Who can apply | People whose license was suspended, restricted, revoked or denied based on two or more qualifying convictions (MCL 257.304(1)). |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | The license must have been suspended or revoked for 45 days first (MCL 257.304(2)). |
| Requirement | A specialty court judge certifies admission to a specialty court interlock program, and an approved device is installed on each vehicle you own or operate. |
| Where you can drive | Only the interlock vehicle, to and from listed places such as work, home, court-ordered treatment, medical care and interlock service. Carry proof of destination and hours (MCL 257.304(4)-(5)). |
| Moving to an unrestricted license | Not before several conditions are met, including at least 1 year of interlock operation (MCL 257.304(6)). |
| Alcohol use | Drinking during the restricted period, shown by testing, bars an unrestricted license for at least 1 year (MCL 257.304(7)). |
| Tampering or letting someone else blow | Misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a fine up to $5,000, or both (MCL 257.625l). |
Driving a vehicle without a properly installed device, or having another person blow into it, can also end the restricted license.
Why this matters in the criminal case
- Planning. The sentence and the specialty court option can affect when you can drive again.
- Compliance. A violation can lead to new charges and revocation of the restricted license.
- The path to full reinstatement. See license restoration.
Related pages: DUI and OWI defense, second-offense OWI and third-offense felony OWI.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with an ignition interlock after OWI in Michigan?
Possibly. After two or more qualifying convictions, a restricted license with an interlock may be issued after 45 days of suspension or revocation if a specialty court judge certifies your admission to an interlock program.
How long must I use the device?
At least 1 year of interlock operation is among the conditions for moving to an unrestricted license.
What happens if someone else blows into the device for me?
It is a misdemeanor for both people, punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a fine up to $5,000, or both.
Talk to a Detroit OWI defense attorney
Call Attorney Kevin Bessant at 313-658-8159. We are in Detroit, Eastpointe and Southfield.
Legal Authority
See MCL 257.304 and 257.625l in the Michigan Legislature’s MCL database. This page is general information, not legal advice.