New State Laws Aim to Keep DUI Offenders Dry in the Driver's Seat

Yesterday, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed two bills into law, both of which focus on restricting operation of a motor vehicle to previous DUI offenders, reports the Daily News. Assemblyman Mike Feur (D-Los Angeles) has authored AB 91, calling for the implementation of a pilot program in four counties that will put an ignition interlock device in "every vehicle owned or operated by a first-time DUI offender."The device is placed on the car's dashboard, and tests the driver's blood alcohol level. The vehicle will not start if the driver is intoxicated. Such a device is also at the core of SB 598, which was authored by State Sen. Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar), and "will allow repeat DUI offenders to apply for a restricted driver's license if they install" the ignition lock on their vehicles. Schwarzenegger cites a need to make access to driving harder for DUI offenders part of an ongoing focus on public road safety.