House Passes Bill to Enforce Locks on Car Ignitions of DUI Offenders (STATEHOUSE) Feb. 24, 2009 - The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 1020, which would allow courts to grant installation of ignition interlock devices in cars of first time and second time DUI offenders. Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) co-authored the bill. "This is a great bill and will protect Hoosier motorists," says Rep. Crouch. "There are too many repeat DUI offenders driving on the road. This bill will deter drunken driving." Under current law, it is not an option for first time offenders to have a lock installed. If this bill becomes law, the court may grant installation of an ignition interlock for first time offenders or those offenders whose previous DUI conviction was at least 10 years in the past. House Bill 1020 would require the installation of an ignition interlock device on a repeating offender's vehicle who is granted a probationary license and whose previous DUI conviction was between five and 10 years ago. It would also require installation for a person who operated a vehicle with a certain alcohol concentration equivalent. Current law states the installation of an ignition interlock is an option for a court to use when issuing a probationary license to a repeat offender. If the court decides the offender must have an ignition interlock installed in their vehicle, the offender pays all costs for the device and installation. "Drunken driving is a serious offense which requires tough reprimand," said Rep. Crouch. "It is my hope this bill will pass in the Senate with as much support as the House. Too many Hoosier families have suffered as a result of drunken drivers, and it is my hope that this legislation will deter drunken driving." House Bill 1020 will next be heard by the Indiana Senate after March 2nd. |
