The state of Hawaii is expected to pass a bill requiring ignition interlocks for repeat drunk driving offenses. Ignition interlocks are devices that operate similar to a breathalyzer—the driver must breathe into it before driving. If the driver’s blood alcohol level is not in the legal range, the interlock system will not allow their car to start. To prevent fraud, the system also takes a picture of the person taking the test and also conducts random tests after the car is started. If the car is already running when the driver fails the test, the car will not stop, but the horn will blare and the lights will flash to alert law enforcement.

Interlock systems would be required for all repeat DUI offenders, as well as first time offenders who are considered severely intoxicated.

The major concern that has arisen over this bill is how the ignition interlock systems will be paid for. It costs about $1,000 a year to install and maintain an interlock, or approximately $3 a day. The bill’s maker wants to set up an indigent fund to cover costs for those that cannot afford the technology. Basically, those who can afford it would pay a little more so that people who cannot afford the interlock can still drive legally. The interlock systems would not be paid for out of taxes.

More than 40 other states in the U.S. use interlock technology.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm and is filed under Drunk Drivers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.