Sleeping in Your Car When You’re Drunk

Don’t! Although you may not think anything of sleeping in your car after a night of drinking, this simple act could result in criminal operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges.

In Michigan, the term “operating” is loosely defined. Generally, it means “having the ability to drive.” However, depending on the officer that “pulls you over,” sleeping while in the driver’s seat of your car with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over the legal limit may bring about a criminal charge of operating while intoxicated (OWI). This is because, in Michigan, having the ability to control the car is enough for the officer to arrest you for an OWI.

If you must sleep it off, sleep in the back seat of your vehicle, take the keys out of the ignition and place them somewhere out of reach; or, better yet, call a friend to pick you up.

Arrested? Facing OWI charges? Call us at (616) 227-3737 for help. We can also be reached online via our contact form.