Ignition interlocks are one of many tools that work together to fight drunk driving, but they are underutilized. The battle against drunk driving is far from over.
How States can Improve Implementation of Ignition Interlock Laws
All-offender law. All drunk drivers should use an interlock in order to drive. States should require the use of ignition interlocks in order to obtain any driving privileges for the duration of a license suspension or revocation. The duration on ignition interlock should be six months. Interlock available upon revocation or conviction. States still make drunk drivers wait days or months before having the opportunity to be taught to drive sober with an interlock. Ensuring these devices are available as soon as legally possible after a drunk driving offense will eliminate hoops drunk drivers must go through in order to guarantee they drive sober. No wait out of interlock order. Require successful use of an ignition interlock before the person can obtain unrestricted driving privileges. If a person does not comply with the interlock order, the person cannot obtain legal driving privileges. Compliance-based removal of interlock order. A person should only exit an interlock program after proving compliance with the interlock order. Multiple device violations should extend the time on the interlock until the person learns how to drive sober. Affordability program. An interlock costs the user around $3 a day to lease, which for six months costs around $500. A DUI conviction typically costs the offender more than $10,000. If an offender is determined indigent, the offender should pay less for the interlock with device vendors defraying the costs.
Interlocks for refusals. Nationally, one in five suspected drunk drivers refuse to submit to a test after being pulled over for driving under the influence. More than 30 states already require interlocks for refusals. Day-for-day credit for early installation. If a person installs an interlock after arrest, they should have the successful time on the interlock credited toward any DMV or court time required on the device. Ensure interlocks are part of every sentence for a drunk driver. According to MADD’s Court Monitoring Program, the average conviction rate of an original drunk driving charge is around 60%. Even under a mandatory law, interlocks may be waived as part of the plea deal or simply not ordered by a judge. As noted in the state overview of laws, some state interlock laws are not impacted by the threat of plea deals or diversion agreements thanks to strong DMV administered laws . Revenue neutral to the state. Drunk drivers who use an interlock should pay fees to courts or other agencies that implement the program so overhead is neutralized. Additionally, the interlock law should be implemented statewide, which typically requires the Driver’s License Agency to ensure every drunk driver used an interlock before being granted an unrestricted license.
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To view a state-by-state breakdown on ignition interlock laws and how to improve on each law, please visit: www.madd.org/iidlaw
8 Ignition Interlock Report
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