The 88th General Assembly
has convened the 2012 fiscal session

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Locking out drunk drivers

Several states are beginning to require the installation of ignition interlock devices for first-time drunk driving offenders. Ignition interlock devices are in-car breathalyzers that prevent cars from starting when the devices detect alcohol.

In Arkansas, an ignition interlock device is required (allowed) for first-time drunk driving offenders if the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.15% or above or there is a refusal to submit to the breath test (among other penalties). It's only then allowed to obtain a "work permit," as the offender's license is otherwise suspended. A subsequent offense here in Arkansas allow the driver to install an interlock device after a year of not having a license. Here's a rundown of the interlock law in other states, courtesy of stateline.org: