As of July 1st, repeat drunk drivers will have to an ignition interlock system installed on their primary vehicle. Whether that is a car, truck, van or motorcycle. Lawmakers recently passed the bill that is directed at anyone with two more DWI's. Those individuals would have to have a device in their vehicle for at least 6 months. Here's how the system works. Before the offender can start their vehicle they have to blow into the interlock system and prove that their blood alcohol level is below .020. If they fail to meet the requirements the vehicle will not start. Lawmakers have done there homework on this technology and have taken additional steps to ensure that people are not able to cheat the system. There are three important pieces of information to take away from this blog. First, you can just have someone else blow in the interlock device. After your initial blow you'll be asked to blow randomly every 10 to 45 minutes. Second, if you fail the test while you're driving your horn will sound and will not stop until you turn off your vehicle. Lastly, law enforcement agencies have teamed up with the Department of Revenue, the agency that issues drivers licenses, to ensure when police officers run your information they'll know if you should have an ignition interlock device.

Here are a few other statistics

-An estimated 70 thousand people may be affected by this change

-If you're caught illegally blowing into someone's device you could be fined upward to one thousand dollars

-75% of people with revoked licenses receive tickets

-In 2007, 243 people were killed in alcohol related accidents

Offenders will have to cover the cost of installation ($30-$200) and monthly maintenance ($70-$100).

1 Comments

ashley e said:

My main concern is were so worried about talking on cell phones and texting while driving...if these people are expected to blow into the device randomly every 10 to 45 mins isnt that just as bad?! I mean I understand how important is to randomly test them but this kind of worries me to know they are going to be trying to do this AND still driving at the same time?

June 30, 2009 10:14 PM

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