Pennsylvania Lawmakers Seek To Require Ignition Interlocks For First Time DUI Offenders

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are close to enacting legislation that would require ignition interlock systems for people convicted of DUI for the first-time.

John Rafferty, chairman of the state Senate Transportation Committee, has been pushing for the legislation for four years. He is very hopeful that the legislation will be passed in the coming session which will require installation of ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders. Under the current law, repeat DUI offenders are already required to install an ignition interlock device, but the proposed bill would mandate installation of Ignition Interlock Devices for first time offenders with a blood alcohol level of 0.10 or more.

According to Rafferty, ignition interlock systems are better tools and help in modifying behavior. They are also more effective as compared to suspending someone’s license, which can restrict them and may even lead to loss of job. Unemployment itself can cause one to drink irresponsibly, and may complicate issues rather than working as a solution.

Installation of Ignition Interlock devices is also the top legislative priority for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

News Source: Philadelphia.CBSLocal.com