Pennsylvania ignition interlock bill gains steam
Pennsylvania DUI update. Looks like the movement to mandate the installation of ignition interlock devices for first offense Pennsylvania DUI convictions is gaining steam again.
LancasterOnline.com:News:Pa. bill would toughen DUI laws:
"Lawmakers in Harrisburg are trying again to change DUI laws so first-time offenders would have ignition-interlock devices installed in their vehicles.
Ignition-interlock devices require a driver to blow into an alcohol sensor when starting the car. If the device senses the driver's blood-alcohol content is too high, the car won't start.
State law says interlocks can be imposed after a second DUI, not a first conviction, according to state Rep. Paul Clymer, a Bucks County Republican who's looking to amend the law.
Clymer submitted a bill March 19 that would allow ignition-interlock devices to be installed on a first DUI conviction. The bill has one Lancaster County co-sponsor, GOP state Rep. Tom Creighton of Rapho Township.
'I think when people have a drinking problem, they lose the ability to make rational decisions,' Creighton said Monday. 'As a safeguard, this makes them jump through some hoops before they can drive.'
Clymer said he was inspired by a letter from a Quakertown High School student who asked for such legislation.
'I agree that installation of these devices has proven to be a relatively simple way of ensuring that those individuals who are convicted of drunk driving are prevented from repeating a potentially deadly mistake,' Clymer said in a news release. 'Why are we waiting for these individuals to be convicted a second time to implement this precaution?'
A similar bill was introduced in January 2008, but because it was not passed by the end of the 2007-08 legislative session, the proposal had to be reintroduced."
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I own an interlock installation center, and I think the law needs this ammendment.