State law expands use of ignition interlock devices
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A state law that went into effect last year is allowing more DUI offenders the chance to shorten their license suspensions and get back on the road, if they are willing to prove they haven't drunk alcohol before driving.
In 2016, Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law Act 33, amending the state's ignition interlock law. Ignition interlock devices are breathalyzers installed into an offender's vehicle that allows the vehicle to be started only if the driver blows into the breathalyzer and proves he or she isn't under the influence of alcohol.
Under the act, which went into effect in August 2017, DUI offenders have the opportunity to apply to the state Department of Transportation to get an ignition interlock limited license. The license allows an individual convicted of DUI to shorten their suspension time by outfitting their vehicle with an ignition interlock device.
"The only time they have to initiate anything is if they want to come on interlock early," Kathleen Riley, judicial services liaison for Smart Start Inc., said during a presentation to the DUI Advisory Council at a meeting Tuesday afternoon. "It gives them the ability to be able to legally drive. It also holds them accountable because now they are monitored."
Smart Start Inc. is one of two companies that offer ignition interlock systems in the county and according to Riley, have installed about 2,000 of the devices nationwide since November.
Before Act 33 went into effect, ignition interlock devices were only available for individuals who could prove they needed the breathalyzers for work purposes and were first-time offenders. For those who are charged with DUI and face license suspension, applying for the license means the chance to halve the time of suspension.
The ignition interlock systems will have mandatory cameras as of August of this year, and according to Riley, will help to prove to law enforcement who was behind the wheel when the ignition was started.
"Cameras serve to protect the clients," Riley said. "With law enforcement it will help them with investigations."
For many who opt in to have ignition interlock installed in their car, having a vehicle that refuses to start if there is alcohol in your system, can be a hard lesson to learn.
"They must be clean for 60 days," Riley said, but for some, "they may have been on the program for a year and still haven't changed."