Arizona #1 for DUI Enforcement, California Could Soon See Mandatory Interlock Devices for Repeat Offenders

A new bill that could require all DUI offenders to have ignition interlock devices (IID) installed on their vehicle has been sent to California governor Jerry Brown.

According to Patch.com, in late August, SB 1046, the bill enforcing car breathalyzers on DUI offenders’ vehicles has been sent to Gov. Brown’s desk. If he signs off on the bill, it would go into effect in January of 2019 and would change the ways DUI are enforced in the state.

• A first-time DUI offender whose accident involved an injury would require the installation of an IID for at least six months.
• A first-time DUI offense that did not involve any injury would get the choice of either a six-month IID requirement with full driving privileges, or a one-year restricted license that would allow only driving to and from work.
• A second DUI offender would be forced to use a IID for at least one year.
• A three-time DUI offender would be forced to have an IID installed for at least two years.
• A driver who receives four or more DUI offenses will face an IID requirement for at least three years.

“It’s been tested, studied, and proven,” said Senator Jerry Hill. “Use of ignition interlock devices saves lives.”

Every day in the U.S., 28 people lose their lives at the hands of a drunk driver. Installing these devices in the vehicles of those convicted of DUIs should significantly cut down on repeat offenders, who tend to drunk drive the most.

A recent study by WalletHub found that Arizona is the strictest state in the entire country when it comes to DUI rules and enforcement. The Daily Wildcat reports that Arizona was ranked number one in criminal penalties for DUI and number two in prevention, with an overall rank of number one as the strictest state for DUI enforcement.

Part of Arizona’s success against drunk drivers is to target college students and other young adults who might not be as aware of the dangers of drunk driving.

“I think the improvement would come from students themselves, where friends don’t let friends drive,” said Lynn Reyes, an alcohol and drug prevention specialist with Campus Health. “I hear a lot of students say they take away a friend’s keys and won’t let them drive or they help them to get home. I think that will make a difference.”

If you want to learn more about ignition interlock devices in Arizona, contact QuickStart Ignition today.