New Missouri Law on Requiring Ignition Interlock Devices

November 21, 2012

New Missouri Law on Requiring Ignition Interlock Devices

Missouri has recently changed its law regarding ignition interlock devices and drinking and driving. The change in the law means that those convicted of drinking and driving in Missouri will face greater penalty.

The New Law

The new law was recently signed by Governor Nixon and makes it mandatory for all convicted drunk drivers to have ignition interlock devices placed in their cars after being convicted of an offense.

These devices will be installed for a 75-day period. If at any time during that 75 days the person has too much alcohol in their system, the time period restarts and they must complete another 75 days entirely sober with all other restrictions on them still in place.

In other states that have implemented similar laws, the amount of drunk driving has decreased significantly. It has been shown that repeat offenses have reduced by two-thirds when the devices are in place. These results may foreshadow the effects of the new law in Missouri.

Ignition Interlock Devices

A specialist installs the ignition interlock devices into the car. In order to start the vehicle, the driver must blow into a tube that measures the amount of alcohol the person has consumed. For offenders, there can be absolutely no trace of alcohol in their system.

If alcohol is found in the system of the driver, the ignition locks and the car will not start. In order to start the car a specialist must unlock the device. Often, a vehicle has to be towed to a garage in order to have this done. The purpose of the device is to ensure no drinking and driving takes place and the consequences are costly if it does.

Organizations to Help Families

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a well-known organization that works to educate the public on the danger of drunk driving and also helps the families and victims of drunk driving crashes. MADD came into existence when a mother lost a daughter due to the driving of someone that was intoxicated. The organization works to protect families from drunk drivers and the consequences that result from underage drinking. They were highly supportive of the new Missouri law and actively demonstrated their support for passing the legislation.

DUIs and the New Law

With the new law, the charge of a DUI becomes an even more taxing charge. The interlock devices add more stress financially to those convicted. Because of this, it is that much more important for those being charged with a DUI to have vigorous representation.

An experienced criminal law attorney will fight to ensure the criminally charged receive the fair procedure they are entitled to. If you face a DUI charge, contact a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.

Article provided by The Law Offices of John M. Lynch, LLC
Visit us at http://www.lynchlawonline.com/