NEW DUI LAW WILL REQUIRE IGNITION
BREATH TEST FOR PEOPLE CONVICTED OF DUI
Kentucky Rep. Dennis Keene filed legislation to toughen Kentucky’s DUI laws. House Bill 286 would require people who are convicted of drunk driving to install an ignition breath test device in their vehicles. The device would test a driver’s breath before allowing the engine to start. For four years Keene has tried to get the legislation enacted. It passed the Kentucky House each year but failed passage in the Senate.
Keene believes it will pass this year because of a new federal law which took effect October 1, 2012. The federal law requires states to mandate ignition breath tests or risk losing federal highway funds. It also established a grant program that allows the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide additional money to states that adopt the interlock ignition device.
Keene states the cost of the interlock ignition device is about $3 to $4 per day. This is not the true cost. The cost to remove the device and download the information will exceed $2,000.00. Keene claims that the costs will be paid by the convicted offenders- not state taxpayers. This is also a misrepresentation. Keene said that most people who are indigent don’t have cars. There are many low income people who own cars. Who will pay the $2,000.00 to remove the device?