HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, hailed House and Senate passage of legislation that
seeks to keep drunk drivers off Connecticut’s roads.
“Connecticut has seen a drop in deaths related to drunk driving,” Conroy said. “Our strong laws are making a difference.”
The bill requires any driver convicted of a
DUI violation to install an ignition interlock device (IID) after the
license suspension period (a minimum of 45 days) is over.
An IID is a
breath alcohol analyzer that interconnects with
a vehicle’s ignition and other control systems. If a driver’s Breath
Alcohol Count (BAC) is over the preset level, the vehicle will not start
and a fail will be noted in IID’s internal memory.
Under current law drivers convicted of a
DUI-related offense that resulted in a license suspension, could apply
for the IID program – the updated legislation would make an IID
mandatory for any DUI offender returning to the road
post-suspension. An IID would be installed, at the violator’s expense,
for six months for first time offenders – habitual offenders would
require an IID for up to two years.
“These devices can’t be tampered with or
outsmarted. IID’s will keep convicted drunk drivers from drinking and
getting behind the wheel,” Conroy said.
The legislation (SB 465) was unanimously approved by the House Wednesday and has been sent to the governor for consideration.This is a press release from Conroy's office.
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