The Massachusetts Impaired Driving (MID) Program is a mandatory education and intervention program for individuals convicted of Operating Under the Influence (OUI), commonly called DUI in other states. It is primarily intended for first-time offenders and provides an alternative to more severe penalties like jail time. By completing this state-approved program, individuals can satisfy legal requirements while gaining valuable knowledge about the dangers of impaired driving.
These programs are regulated by Massachusetts law (Chapter 90, Section 24D) and approved by the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Only programs licensed by BSAS will meet court-mandated requirements.
The MID Program aims to educate participants about the effects of alcohol on driving, promote behavior change, and reduce the risk of future offenses. The program requires a total of 38 hours, structured as follows:
- Intake Session: Individual meeting to develop a personal plan and explain program details.
- Group Sessions: 16 weekly sessions, each lasting two hours (totaling 32 hours), focusing on education about alcohol use and driving.
- Mid-point Review: A progress check halfway through the program (after 8 weeks) to adjust the participant’s plan as needed.
- Victim Impact Awareness: A two-hour session emphasizing the real-life consequences of impaired driving.
- Self-help Meetings: Four hours of attendance at approved community-based support groups.
- Exit Interview: A final one-on-one session to review overall progress, recommend any further care if needed, and provide completion documentation required by the court.
Participants must attend all sessions, actively engage, and fulfill program requirements. Failure to do so will result in the court being notified, potentially leading to suspension or removal from the program. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate confirming they have fulfilled the court’s requirements.
The program costs $1,342.56. Although participants are responsible for this fee, Massachusetts law ensures no one is excluded due to inability to pay. Individuals facing financial hardship can submit an affidavit of indigency to the court within ten days of sentencing. If the court confirms financial hardship, it may fully or partially waive the program fees. Participants receiving a waiver must present the signed waiver form at the intake session.
A list of approved MID program providers is available here. For further information about alcohol or drug-related license suspensions, contact the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). It is essential to enroll in an approved MID program to fulfill legal obligations.