If you’re in the restricted license phase, your mission is a clean, compliant year while driving with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). During this restricted-license phase, Michigan separates BAIID-related violations into two categories: minor and major violations. This distinction matters because the type of violation determines whether your progress is delayed—or if your license is revoked all over again, and wait a full year to apply again.
Learn more about the common mistakes when starting your license restoration application.
Minor Violations include:
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Three (3) start-up test failures within a monitoring period (after the first two months).
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Failure to report to your interlock service provider within seven (7) days of a scheduled monitoring appointment.
Major Violations include:
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A missed or failed rolling retest.
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Refusal to take a rolling retest.
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Tampering with or removing the ignition interlock device without authorization.
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Driving a vehicle without a properly installed BAIID.
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Failing to reinstall a BAIID within seven (7) days after removal.
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Accumulating three (3) minor violations in a monitoring period.
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An arrest for drinking or drugged driving while on a restricted license.
Consequences:
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A minor violation adds three months to the time before you can request another appeal hearing and extends the period you must drive with the interlock.
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A major violation typically results in the reinstatement of your original denial or revocation, immediately ending your restricted privileges unless you successfully contest it.
Understanding these rules is critical because most setbacks are preventable. Below are the key do’s and don’ts that address the most common pitfalls—so your restricted year stays on track and moves you closer to full restoration.
1) Rolling Retests
DON’T ignore the handset after you park or step out “just for a second.” Missing or failing a rolling retest is a major violation; the device allows a brief grace period only if you deliver a clean sample within 5 minutes when alcohol is detected, or you take the retest when prompted.
DO check the device before you shut off the ignition; if a retest is requested, blow promptly.
2) Start-Up Failures
DON’T trigger multiple mouth-alcohol positives. Three start-up failures in a monitoring period (after the first two months) is a minor violation—and three minor violations result in a major violation.
DO avoid alcohol-based mouthwash/cold meds and wait 15 minutes after eating or drinking (besides water) before start-up. If you get a positive, rinse and retest promptly; a passing test within 15 minutes can fix a start-up failure.
3) Service/Monitoring Appointments
DON’T miss your service date. Failing to report for monitoring within 7 days is a minor violation.
DO adhere to all scheduled service visits, and contact your vendor immediately if a delay or repair is needed; vendors must report certain events to the Department, so proactive communication matters.
4) Power Losses, Tows & Shop Time
DON’T let unexplained power losses (dead battery, jump start, long shop stays) go unreported.
DO notify the interlock company before repairs when possible, keep dated receipts, and document what happened. The rules require vendors to report significant events; you want your paperwork to match the data.
5) Letting Others Drive Your Interlock Car
DON’T let just anyone drive your vehicle. Any missed retest or alcohol reading on your device becomes a reportable event tied to your restricted license.
DO limit drivers to trusted adults who know how to respond to rolling retests and agree to respect your restrictions.
6) Tampering, Circumventing, or Early Removal
DON’T disconnect, bypass, or remove the BAIID on your own. That’s a major violation; removal without an order is explicitly prohibited.
DO keep the device installed until the Department issues a removal authorization; installing a replacement within 7 days is the only narrow exception.
7) Driving a Non-Equipped Vehicle or Outside Restrictions
DON’T drive any vehicle without a properly installed BAIID, or outside your restricted terms. That’s a major violation and can also expose you to the separate criminal penalties for operating while suspended/revoked.
DO stick to your permitted vehicle(s) and conditions every time.
8) Sitting on a Violation Notice
DON’T wait to followup if you receive a reinstatement notice after a reported major violation.
DO act immediately—you generally have 14 days to request a hearing to contest the reinstatement of your revocation/denial.
9) Skipping Documentation
DON’T rely on memory to explain odd data.
DO keep a simple compliance folder: calibration and repair receipts, tow/jump-start paperwork, any police-station PBT (within ~1 hour) or ETG lab test (within ~24 hours) after a questionable reading, and copies of communications with your vendor. The Department reviews vendor reports and logs; your documents close the loop. dtmb.state.mi.us
10) Losing Sight of the Big Picture
DON’T treat the restricted year as “set it and forget it.” Small, preventable issues lead to delays.
DO use this year to build your full-restoration case—consistent sobriety, clean interlock data, timely responses, and organized proof.
Learn more about the overall restoration process.
The bottom line is that most setbacks are preventable. Know the rules, respond fast, and document everything—so your restricted year stays quiet, clean, and on schedule toward full restoration.