Snyder signs bills allowing more local penalties against 'super drunk' drivers

Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation allowing communities to enforce local ordinances targeting drunken drivers with extremely high bodily alcohol content (BAC). Stiffer penalties against "super drunk" drivers - those with a BAC of 0..17 or higher - took effect in 2010. Because that law raised the maximum prison term for offenders, law enforcement officers were prohibited from writing tickets for high BAC violations under local ordinances. "We all must work together to combat drunken driving and keep our roads safe," Snyder said. "This legislation gives communities the tools to be effective partners in protecting Michigan families." The bipartisan package includes five bills that are now Public Acts 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Snyder also recently signed legislation requiring the Secretary of State to refuse to issue or renew a driver's license to a driver with three or more unpaid parking tickets. Previously, the state refused drivers who had six or more unpaid tickets. Snyder also signed legislation to give retirees a voice on the Detroit Police/Fire Pension Board. Previously, the board composition was decided through collective bargaining, shutting retirees out from the negotiations. Published: Mon, Feb 20, 2012