Articles

Home > Articles > Arizona-dui-law

A voice vote by Arizona state representatives on Tuesday supported the repeal of a new law that will require drivers convicted of any drunk driving/DUI law offense to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. Although the new interlock law has already been signed by Arizona's governor, Janet Napolitano, the repeal's supporters say that they had voted in favor of the new law based on incomplete and incorrect information.

The new law was approved in May by a nearly unanimous vote and is slated to take effect 90 days after the legislative session ends. An existing Arizona law already requires an interlock on any vehicle driven by a person convicted of multiple DUI offenses as well as any person convicted of "extreme" drunk driving (a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher). The new law at issue extends the interlock requirement to anyone with even a single conviction for any DUI offense.

The repeal was initiated by Rep. John Kavanagh, who said that he and colleagues voted based on incomplete information when they concluded that the new interlock requirement would cut down on the rate of accidents. An ignition interlock prevents a vehicle from being started without a "clean," alcohol-free breath sample from the driver. The device also does random breath checks while the vehicle is running, to ensure that the driver didn't get someone else to supply the starting breath sample.

In a discussion of the repeal, one legislator contended that the interlock requirement discriminates against individuals whose only means of transportation is a motorcycle, which cannot accommodate any type of interlock. Another representative stated that the cost of having to rent and install an interlock is prohibitive for someone on a limited income. Rep. Olivia Cajero Bedford alleged that the interlock mandate discriminates against women because, due to their smaller body size, women get drunk more easily than men.

It is not yet known whether Gov. Napolitano will accept or veto the repeal of the new interlock law. Her communications chief, Jeanine L'Ecuyer, said only that the governor will study the bill if it reaches her desk. The author of the Senate bill on which the repeal is an amendment, Sen. Linda Gray, said that she does not agree with the repeal amendment.

(Source: www.azstarnet.com)

Have you been convicted of drunk driving? Contact an experienced DUI attorney to protect your rights.

Home :: Contact a Criminal Lawyer :: Advertise