Most vehicle operators know that it is illegal to operate a vehicle at a certain blood alcohol level. Any Michigan license lawyer knows that for automobiles, the legal blood alcohol limit is .08%. What many don't realize is that there's a different standard for other types of vehicles such as boats, snowmobiles or off-road vehicles. For these types of vehicles, the legal limit is .10%. There is currently a legislative effort in Michigan to reduce the allowable blood alcohol level to .08% for all types of vehicles and boats so that there will be a uniform blood-alcohol level.
Does this make sense? Does it make sense that an individual could operate an off-road vehicle, snowmobile or boat and have a blood alcohol level of .09% and be under the legal limit but shortly thereafter, drive their car and be considered over the legal limit and subject to prosecution? Alcohol is often cited as a contributing factor in boating accidents. Any Michigan driver license lawyer will tell you that the penalties for operating while impaired on either land or water are very similar: criminal misdemeanors punishable with jail, fines, and driving suspensions and restrictions.
What do you think? Should there be a uniform blood alcohol level for all types of vehicles?
