Introduction An ignition interlock is a device about the size of a smartphone that is wired into the ignition system of a vehicle and requires a breath sample from the driver to measure the driver’s breath alcohol concentration. A driver can be ordered to use one following a drunk driving arrest or conviction, typically for a duration of at least six months. In most states, ignition interlocks are set at .02 BAC, and the vehicle will not start if the driver’s BAC exceeds that limit. This report outlines the effectiveness of ignition interlock laws with three data points: 1. The number of times an ignition interlock has prevented a drunk driver from starting their vehicle per state
Interlocks are more effective than license suspension as the American
Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators
estimates that 75% of people continue to drive on a suspended license.
2. A grade for each state’s ignition interlock law and recommendations for improvement
3. Loopholes that prevent the full benefit of ignition interlock laws
MADD collaborates with partners to evaluate laws and identify areas for improvement in state laws. This report identifies the progress made over nearly two decades of advocating for all-offender ignition interlock laws and informs the work in the year ahead.
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