Oklahoma has been kicking out some amazing new DUI bills this year, like a full ignition interlock expansion law that was recently passed. Once signed, the new Oklahoma DUI law will allow all offenders to access interlock devices, no matter if it is their first drunk driving conviction or under other similar circumstances. The law ensures the streets are safer and offenders are able to maintain jobs and other life obligations. The best part is that isn’t the only Oklahoma DUI law change on the agenda this legislative season.
Highlights of the new Oklahoma DUI bill include:
- Eliminating Administrative License Revocation (ALR) procedures which currently allow an immediate license suspension. The new law would require offenders to either install and maintain an ignition interlock device or fight the criminal charges in court.
- Oklahoma DUI suspects will not be able to refuse a police breathalyzer test during a traffic stop. Instead, a refusal will cause criminal charges against the suspect, similar to DUI charges, along with any actual DUI charges that occur.
- Establishment of Impaired Driver Elimination Act 2 (IDEA2) that will serve as a type of diversion program for many first-time DUI offenders. If eligible, offenders will pay for an ignition interlock license and must have the device installed for 180 days. Once the program is completed, those offenders will not have a revocation record on their license, allowing a better outcome after a DUI.
With these new provisions, it will be a lot harder to get around the Oklahoma DUI law and ignition interlock requirement. Oklahoma has been working hard over the past few years to shore up its drunk driving laws, with quite a few growing pains along the way. Now that these bills are ready to be signed into law, the state will join 28 other states that have all-offender ignition interlock laws.