TOUGHER ILLINOIS DUI LAW TAKES EFFECT IN 2009!
TOUGHER ILLINOIS DUI LAW TAKES EFFECT IN 2009!
BREATHALYZER IGNITION LOCKS FOR FIRST-TIME DUI OFFENDERS GEARED TO REDUCE DRUNK DRIVING INJURIES FATALITIES!
A new tougher IL Drunk Driving Law will help keep those convicted of even one DUI Offense from starting and driving their vehicles.
The new law requires anyone convicted of Driving Under the Influence to install an electronic gadget that requires these drivers to test their breath before each trip and during the trip to assure they have not had alcoholic beverages before slipping behind the wheel.
Drivers whose breath indicates a Blood Alcohol Level of 0.024 – far lower than the IL DUI Threshold of 0.08 – will not be able to start their cars. If a required en route test is skipped or exceeds the minimum level the driver is given a short warning period to pull over and stop or the ignition will automatically be cut off.
The monthly cost of the electronic devices is steep – $80 monthly rental plus a $30 IL fee. There is also an $80 charge to install the device.
The Breathalyzer Interlocks would be required for the five to 11 month license suspension period mandatory with Drunken Driving Convictions. Drivers can refuse to have the system installed but they would be prohibited from driving during that time. Steep fines are in place for drivers who attempt to circumvent the system by having someone else in the vehicle blow into the electronic detector to keep the interlock from operating.
Previously the devices were only installed for multiple DUI offenders with some judicial discretion. The Illinois Secretary of State estimates about 30000 vehicles will be in place by then end of this year.
Other states including New Mexico (the first to require the devices three years ago) Nebraska Alaska Colorado and Washington impose similar laws but with judicial discretion as to which convicted DUI drivers need install and use them.
Said David Mahamm of the Illinois Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers as quoted in AP Writer Michael Tarm’s story in today’s Chicago Tribune "It’s amazingly inconvenient. But the flip side of the inconvenience is death."
Also please read the Associated Press Summary of the New IL Ignition Interlock Law from today’s Chicago Tribune.
DEAN MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
