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Ignition Interlock Time Extensions Could Be the Next Step

You are here: Home / News / Ignition Interlock Time Extensions Could Be the Next Step
February 18, 2016 by Editorial Staff

Extending the ignition interlock timeTo date, all 50 states in the U.S. and Washington, D.C. have some type of ignition interlock requirement for drunk drivers. Usually that means a DUI offender can resume driving, with a restricted license, as long as he or she has an interlock installed. Once the court- or DMV-ordered suspension period is over, the device is removed, with important lessons hopefully learned about the dangers of drunk driving.

However, some states do not have lengthy license suspensions, especially for first-time drunk driving convictions. A DUI offender in New Hampshire, for example, could have a nine-month license suspension that is reduced once an ignition interlock is installed. Depending on when that occurs, there may be less time for “behavior modification” to kick in. In other words, once an ignition interlock is no longer needed by the court, offenders could repeat the same mistake that got them in trouble in the first place.

That’s a huge reason for extending the interlock requirement beyond the license suspension period – to make sure a DUI offender gets the full benefit of creating healthy habits for the future.

As such, a New Hampshire legislator is proposing a one-year extension of ignition interlock requirements beyond the end of the license suspension period. Citing not enough time to really change the way an offender looks at their drinking habits, the legislator believes that an interim ignition interlock requirement could really make those lessons stick. It could also serve as yet another reason for anyone who has not faced a drunk driving charge to just find a better way to get home, instead of risking the whole DUI debacle in court.

Ignition interlock devices effectively stop repeat offenses by up to 90 percent, making them a reliable way to keep our streets safe. By allowing more time with the device, that percentage could grow, along with drivers’ peace of mind across the U.S.

Category: News

About Editorial Staff

The editorial staff is a group of writers and contributors with wide-ranging areas of expertise. The editorial staff provides news and analysis of topics that are focused on community and driver safety.

Previous Post:For those keeping track of the states that allow you to carry an open bottle of booze in your car, you should have crossed West Virginia off that list in 2015. More than likely, you’re only into open container laws for the trivia factor. Drinking while driving is so last century, and it can be a slippery slope into a DUI or other drunk driving conviction. So, why did West Virginia finally decide to end the joyride that was their old policy on open containers? Safety was likely the number one reason. Most states have made it illegal to carry an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, at least within reach of the driver. We doubt there is a lot of temptation to grab that bottle while driving down the road, but it does happen and an extra measure of safety doesn’t hurt anyone. The other reason probably had to do with federal TEA-21 guidelines. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) sets forth certain rules of the road, including open container laws. The idea is that each state can “evolve” its laws for compliance, and receive federal money for roads and transportation projects in return. As such, open containers of alcohol are “so last year” in West Virginia, and good riddance to the practice! By adding the new law on top of existing DUI laws and consequences like a car breathalyzer or an ignition interlock requirement, we are assured that safety is a top concern across the state. Moving into the 21st century, in compliance with TEA-21, helps everyone by restricting dangerous behaviors and keeping roads in working order. From there, we can only watch as the rest of the country finds their way into the future of safe driving and less risks on the road.ICYMI: West Virginia’s 2015 Open Container Law Changed
Next Post:Could Swabbing Be the New DUI Breathalyzer in California?Swab DUI tests in California

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