Michigan DUI Glossary
BAC - Short for “blood alcohol concentration.” BAC refers to the amount of alcohol that is in one's bloodstream and is measured in percentages. BAC can be measured either by blood, breath, or urine testing and is often used bypolice officers to decide whether a driver is “legally drunk.” Most states have adopted BAC laws that make it illegal to drive with a BAC at or above a set amount. The majority of states have a BAC 0.08% as the BAC limit state-wide.
Breathalyzer - A portable machine used by cops to measure the blood alcohol concentration of suspected drunk drivers.
Conditional License - A license granted “on condition” of something, such as finishing a alcohol treatment program or DUI course. Once that “condition” has been met, a standard license is generally reinstated.
Ignition Interlock Device - An ignition interlock device is an in-car alcohol breath screening device that prevents a car from starting if it detects a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over a pre-set limit of .02 (i.e., 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood). The device is inside the car, near the driver’s seat, and is connected to the engine's ignition system. Many states require that the device be used by those convicted of drunk driving.
Implied Consent Laws - Consenting to being pulled over by law enforcement to have blood alcohol concentration measured. Effective in some states.
License Revocation - Having driver privileges cancelled.
License Suspension - Not being able to drive for a certain amount of time.
Open Container Laws - Laws that state it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in your car. Does not apply to all states.
Sobriety Checkpoints - A system where police officers choose a certain place for a particular period and systematically stop cars to look into drivers for possible drunk driving charges. If any evidence of intoxication is noted, a detailed investigation takes place.
Zero Tolerance BAC - Blood alcohol content for minors that is allowable. This percentage can be as low as 0% (meaning no alcohol content may be detected; therefore the term “zero tolerance.”) or up to 0.02%.
Areas of Practice
