Georgia Since May 1999, judges are required to order an interlock for all repeat offenders for a period of 12 months. Effective July 2017, first-time offenders and first refusals have an option to go on an interlock in lieu of a restricted or suspended license. From 2006 to 2020 in Georgia, interlocks stopped 44,313 attempts to drive drunk with a breath alcohol concentration of .08 or greater, including 4,368 attempts to drive drunk in 2020.
Grade: F (5.5/100) For over two decades, repeat offenders are required to use an interlock in Georgia. The state can make great improvements to the law by enacting an all-offender interlock law.
Why does MADD not call the law all-offender? First-time offenders can obtain a time/route restricted license for the duration of a four-month license suspension.
Process to obtain an ignition interlock 1. Wait out your suspension period. 2. Schedule an appointment to have an interlock device installed. 3. Attend DUI school to obtain Alcohol Risk Reduction Certificate and complete any DUI intervention programs (if applicable).
4. Bring the documents listed above to an interlock service provider. 5. Visit the DDS and pay a $25 fee and submit proof of installation. 6. Complete any pending court regulations.
Ignition Interlock Law Overview and MADD Legislative Recommendations ow soon can an ignition interlock be installed? Duration on ignition interlock Legislative Recommendation First offense Upon arrest 4 months
Only allow interlock driving privileges and eliminate route/time restricted option for first-time offenders. Eliminate waiting periods before interlock use.
12 months
Second offense
120 days after conviction
Upon arrest
12 months
First refusal
Can a drunk driver wait out an interlock order?
Yes
Legislative Recommendation
Any person who has a license suspended for a drunk driving offense, must use an ignition interlock for at least six months before obtaining a non-interlock driver's license.
Compliance based removal?
No
Add a compliance based removal component to the law (a user must prove a certain period of sober driving before exiting the interlock program).
Legislative Recommendation
Day-for-Day credit for early installation? No Legislative Recommendation Interlocks required for plea agreements or diversion?
Allow for the use of ignition interlock after arrest and credit early installation of an interlock toward time ordered on an interlock upon conviction.
No
Allow a first-time apprehended drunk driver who did not cause an injury or property damage crash, and successfully completes six continuous months on an ignition interlock and completes other court or department conditions to be granted a plea deal.
Legislative Recommendation
Sources: §40-6-391(c)(1)(E), §§42-8-111 and 42-8-112, §42-8-112(b)(3), §40-5-64(c.1)(2), Georgia DDS. No Currently, Judges can waive the interlock order if an offender can prove it causes an undue financial hardship. Legislative Recommendation Affordability program?
Create affordability program so low-income interlock users have access to these devices. This program should be paid for by interlock vendors or non-indigent interlock users.
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