Texas State Rep. Bill Callegari of Katy has filed a measure to require all convicted drunk drivers to install ignition interlock devices in their cars, including first offenders. If approved, House Bill 1110 by Callegari would prevent convicted drunk drivers from being able to drive their cars after drinking.
“While current law requires the installation of interlock devices in the vehicles of previously convicted drunk drivers, I think we can make our roads safer by moving this requirement up as a required penalty for a first DWI offense,” said Callegari.
Texas statutes require that drunk drivers have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle if they have been previously convicted of driving while intoxicated, or have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more, which is nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08. As introduced, House Bill 1110 would require the installation of ignition interlock devices after a person’s first DWI offense. HB 1110 would require that the devices be installed in vehicles owned, or regularly driven by the person convicted of DWI.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, individuals with prior drunk driving convictions constitute nearly one-third of third of the on-going drunk driving problem. Studies have shown that requiring the use of ignition interlock devices can reduce repeat drunk driving offenses by 64 percent. Currently eight states mandate the use of ignition interlock devices for all drivers convicted of driving while intoxicates.
Source: Texas House of Representatives
Topics Texas
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