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Q. New Drunk Driving Law
by Larry Lubell
New Drunk Driving New law
As of 01/01/09 those found Guilty of DUI must install a breath-testing device in their car.
Governor Rod Blagojevich signed Legislation that cracks down on drunk drivers, and aims to prevent those convicted of DUI from even being able to start their car before passing blood alcohol level test.
The new law was the result of a joint effort of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), working with Secretary of State Jesse White, and the legislation’s sponsors: Senator John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Representative Robert Molaro (D-Chicago).
The law requires all first-time DUI offenders who wish to obtain driving relief during the period of statutory summary suspension to install on their vehicles a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). Motorists are required to blow into the BAIID, which measures their blood alcohol content levels.
“This is a new and innovative approach to deal with a very serious traffic safety issue,” said Secretary White. “Statistics show breath alcohol ignition interlock devices are very effective in preventing subsequent DUI offenses. As Secretary of State, my office will continue to do everything within its power to make the roads of Illinois as safe as possible.”
“We will not tolerate drunk drivers on our streets,” Blagojevich said.