Michigan Ignition Interlock (BAIID) Requirements (2026): Costs & Providers
Michigan’s BAIID (Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device) requirement is not triggered by every OWI — it kicks in for “Super Drunk” convictions (BAC .17% or higher) and for repeat offenders whose licenses have been revoked. A standard first OWI at .08–.16% does not require a BAIID. Here’s who needs one, what it costs, and why major violations are especially dangerous in Michigan.
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Michigan BAIID requirements at a glance
| Offense term | OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) — Michigan’s term for impaired driving |
| All-offender mandate? | No — standard first OWI (.08–.16 BAC) does not require a BAIID; triggered only by .17%+ conviction or repeat-offender revocation |
| Trigger 1: High BAC / “Super Drunk” | First conviction under MCL 257.625(1)(c) with BAC .17%+ — 1-year suspension; no driving for 45 days, then BAIID-restricted license for the balance (~320 days) |
| Trigger 2: Revoked repeat offender | After OHAO hearing grants a restricted license, BAIID required for not less than 1 year (MCL 257.322(9)) |
| DWI / sobriety courts | Courts may order a BAIID as a condition of participation in sobriety court programs under MCL 257.304 |
| Removal — High BAC path | Submit HBAC Form 1 + original sealed Interlock Report to SOS after restriction ends; no hearing required |
| Removal — Revoked path | Petition OHAO; report must show no BrAC reading ≥ 0.025 during the restricted period (R 257.313a) |
| Minor violation | 3 start-up failures after 2+ months of use, or missing a service appointment by 7+ days — each adds 3 months; 3 minors = 1 major |
| Major violation | Rolling-retest violation, tampering, or unauthorized removal — reinstates the original revocation (R 257.313a) |
| Low-income protection | Manufacturers required to supply device at no cost for income-qualifying drivers; installer may charge only up to $2.00/day for maintenance (MCL 257.625k) |
| Income eligibility | Gross income on prior year’s Michigan state income tax return below 150% of the poverty line; provide return to vendor |
| SOS reinstatement fee | $125 (or $85 for a §321c suspension) |
| Who administers | Michigan SOS — License Restoration |
| Governing law | MCL 257.625(1)(c); MCL 257.319; MCL 257.322(9); MCL 257.625k; R 257.313a |
Who needs a BAIID in Michigan?
Michigan’s BAIID requirement is more targeted than most states’. A standard first OWI conviction at a BAC of .08 to .16% does not trigger the BAIID program. You need a BAIID in one of these situations:
- “Super Drunk” / High BAC (.17%+): A first conviction under MCL 257.625(1)(c) triggers a 1-year suspension. After 45 days of no driving, you can get a restricted license — but only with a BAIID installed for the remaining ~320 days. Removal is administrative via HBAC Form 1.
- Revoked repeat offender: Second and subsequent OWI convictions result in license revocation (minimum 1 year; 5 years if a prior revocation within 7 years). After revocation, you must petition the SOS Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHAO) for a restricted license. If granted, a BAIID is required for not less than 1 year.
- Sobriety / DWI court: Participation in a sobriety court program under MCL 257.304 may also require a BAIID as a court condition.
Major violations reinstate your original revocation. Michigan draws a sharp line between minor and major violations. Minor violations (3 startup failures after 2+ months of use, missing a service appointment by 7+ days) each add 3 months, and accumulating 3 minors creates a major. A major violation — rolling-retest failure, tampering, or unauthorized removal — does not just extend your term. Under R 257.313a, it reinstates your original revocation. You then must start the entire hearing process over again, potentially facing years of additional revocation before you can reapply for a restricted license. Treat every rolling retest as consequential.
Income below 150% FPL? The device must be provided at no cost. Under MCL 257.625k, manufacturers are legally required to supply the BAIID device at no cost to qualifying low-income drivers. The installer may charge only up to $2.00 per day for maintenance — roughly $60/month maximum. Eligibility is based on gross income from your prior year’s Michigan state income tax return being below 150% of the federal poverty line. Provide your tax return to the vendor to establish eligibility.
Michigan SOS-authorized providers
Provider list requires verification. Michigan’s SOS manufacturer list page did not render during our verification. Before signing with any provider, confirm current SOS authorization directly at michigan.gov/sos or by calling Michigan SOS. The major national brands below are expected to include Michigan-authorized options — but confirm before installation.
| Provider | Monthly est. | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intoxalock | $60–100 | Statewide | 888-283-5899 |
| Smart Start | $70–100 | Statewide | 800-831-3299 |
| LifeSafer | $65–95 | Statewide | 800-634-3077 |
| Guardian Interlock | $65–95 | Statewide | 800-499-0994 |
| RoadGuard (Dräger) | $65–95 | Statewide | 833-545-0368 |
| ALCOLOCK | $60–90 | Statewide | 866-700-9300 |
Verify SOS authorization before signing. Michigan’s manufacturer list did not render during our verification — confirm current approval at michigan.gov/sos. If income-eligible (below 150% FPL), provide your prior-year Michigan tax return to the vendor — the device must be supplied at no cost and maintenance capped at $2/day.
What a BAIID costs in Michigan
| Installation (one time) | $70–150 (free if income below 150% FPL) |
| Monthly maintenance | $60–100 (capped at ~$60/mo = $2/day if income below 150% FPL) |
| Removal | $50–75 |
| SOS reinstatement fee | $125 (or $85 for §321c suspension) |
Over a ~320-day High BAC restricted period, expect roughly $900–1,300 in device costs (or approximately $60/month if income-eligible). Estimate your exact cost →
How to get a BAIID-restricted license — 5 steps
- High BAC path: After 45 days of the 1-year suspension, apply to SOS for a restricted license. You must have a BAIID installed before SOS will issue it. If income-eligible, bring your prior-year Michigan tax return to establish the no-cost/capped-rate program.
- Revoked path: After your revocation period, petition the SOS Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHAO) for a restricted license. This requires a formal hearing — have your attorney assist. If granted, a BAIID will be required for at least 1 year.
- Contact a Michigan SOS-authorized provider, confirm their current authorization, and schedule installation. Bring your SOS paperwork.
- Serve the full BAIID period. Keep every service appointment (missing by 7+ days is a minor violation). Never attempt a rolling retest after drinking.
- High BAC removal: Submit HBAC Form 1 + sealed Interlock Report to SOS — no hearing required. Revoked removal: Petition OHAO; report must show no reading ≥ 0.025 BrAC. Pay the $125 reinstatement fee.
Confirm authorization, then book installation. A provider can verify their SOS status and get you scheduled fast.
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Michigan does not use SR-22 or FR-44 for OWI. Michigan’s financial responsibility filing system covers uninsured at-fault judgments — it is not triggered by an OWI conviction. Standard auto insurance must be maintained, but no special certificate is required. See our Michigan insurance page → for details.
Michigan OWI / BAIID FAQ
Does a standard first OWI in Michigan require a BAIID?
No — a standard first OWI conviction at BAC .08–.16% does not trigger Michigan’s BAIID program. The BAIID is required for: (1) a “Super Drunk” / High BAC conviction at .17%+, or (2) a revoked repeat offender who obtains a restricted license through an OHAO hearing, or (3) a sobriety court participant as a court condition.
What is the “Super Drunk” law in Michigan?
MCL 257.625(1)(c) creates a separate “High BAC” offense for a first OWI conviction at .17% or higher. It carries enhanced penalties including a 1-year suspension. After 45 days, you can apply for a restricted license — but only with a BAIID installed for the remaining ~320 days of the suspension.
What happens if I get a major BAIID violation in Michigan?
A major violation — rolling-retest failure, tampering, or unauthorized removal — reinstates your original revocation under R 257.313a. You lose the restricted license and must begin the OHAO petition process again from scratch, potentially facing years of additional revocation. Three minor violations also constitute a major. Take every rolling retest seriously.
Can I get the BAIID at a reduced cost in Michigan?
Yes — MCL 257.625k requires manufacturers to supply the device at no cost for drivers with gross income below 150% of the federal poverty line based on their prior-year Michigan state income tax return. The installer may charge only up to $2.00/day for maintenance. Provide your tax return to the vendor to establish eligibility.
How is BAIID removal different for High BAC vs. revoked drivers?
For High BAC / “Super Drunk” drivers: submit HBAC Form 1 plus the original sealed Interlock Report to SOS — no hearing required. For revoked drivers: petition the OHAO for removal; the report must show no BrAC reading of 0.025 or higher during the restricted period. Both paths require paying the SOS reinstatement fee.
Sources:
Michigan SOS — License Restoration;
MCL 257.625(1)(c); MCL 257.319; MCL 257.322(9); MCL 257.625k; R 257.313a.
Last verified August 2026.
Advertising disclosure: We may be compensated when you contact a provider through our numbers or links. This doesn’t affect our rankings or information. Verify SOS authorization before installation. Content is informational only — not legal advice.