(AP) -- Police across Michigan are cracking down on drunken drivers over the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
The state says in a release that the stepped up enforcement started Thursday and runs through Jan. 2 in 35 counties. Extra patrols are funded by federal traffic safety funds.
Michigan law makes it illegal for a person with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher to operate a motor vehicle.
The state reports that there were 299 alcohol related traffic deaths last year. Ten people were killed during the 2009 Christmas and New Year's holiday period. Four of the traffic deaths involved alcohol.
Drunken driving convictions carry penalties of up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, suspension of driving privileges and up to 360 hours of community service.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
