DETROIT, Mich. — The State of Michigan has adopted t tougher penalties to crack down on irresponsible drivers. The penalties take effect October 1, 2003.

Under the new measures, driving without a license or proof of insurance could result in a $150 fine in Michigan.

Drivers who accumulate seven or more points on their driver’s license in a two-year period would be fined $100 each year. Each point beyond seven would carry a $50 fine.

New $1,000 driver responsibility fees would be imposed for two years against drivers found guilty of drunken driving, eluding the police, leaving the scene of an accident, vehicular homicide or manslaughter, or injuring or killing a road construction worker.

Drivers would have about two months to pay the fine to the secretary of state’s office or have their license suspended, according to the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency.

The news comes courtesy of the OTA.