Car Breathalyzers As DUI Sanction [Hartford Courant]
May 9, 2014The Senate endorsed a measure that requires individuals found guilty of driving under the influence to install “ignition interlock devices” — IDDs, or breathalyzers — inside their car. The IDD technology prevents drivers from starting their vehicle until they have passed a breathalyzer test.
Sen. Kevin Witkos, a Canton Republican and a retired police officer, spoke in support of the proposal.
“Anything we can do to make our roads safer is a good thing,” Witkos said. “This device is great technology. Somebody has to go into it in order to start their car, they have to blow into the machine and if they get to a certain level, their car won’t start. Let’s embrace technology.”
Under current law, those convicted of a DUI face a license suspension period ranging from 90 days to three years, depending on the number of prior offenses and blood alcohol content. The new bill reduces that period to 45 days for all DUI offenses, regardless of the number of previous convictions or BAC. But as a condition for restoring the license, they must install the breathalyzer in the car. The length of time for which these breathalyzers would have to remain in the vehicle would vary depending on the prior offenses and blood alcohol content.