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Drunk Drivers in California May Get Mandated Interlock Devices

Posted by timothy on from the as-punishments-go dept.

Convicted drunk drivers all over California may soon be required to install and pay for the use of ignition interlock devices, at a cost of $50-100 per month, plus installation. Says the article: "State Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, wants to expand a program already in place in four California counties, including Alameda, and 24 other states. Under the proposed state law Hill will introduce Monday, anyone convicted of driving under the influence would be required to install an ignition interlock device in their car for six months on a first offense and a year on a second conviction." Though interlock devices could be fitted to check for other conditions as well, the usual case (as described on this Wikipedia page) is that they base the ability to operate a car on blood alcohol content. Already in California, interlock devices are mandatory for those re-arrested for DUI while "driving on a suspended license due to a DUI conviction."

1 of 420 comments (clear)

  1. DUI - lose the car by argee · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Here in Alaska we have laws for repeat DUI offenders. You forfeit the car you are driving. If you borrowed a car from a friend,
    too bad for him. The judges sometimes have leniency on rental cars. Pretty soon, DUI, losing the car while making payments
    does not look too attractive anymore.

    I think placing a red background on your Driver License picture meaning at least one DUI within 5 years, would help. So if you
    want to borrow Joe's car, he can look at the license and say "not a good idea, Sam."