The House of Representatives in Georgia is currently reviewing new legislation that would require an ignition interlock device to be installed in motor vehicles of those convicted of DUI. The law would specifically apply to those convicted of DUI first offense who had blood alcohol levels of 0.15 or more. It would also apply to Georgia drivers who refuse breathalyzer and/or field sobriety tests.
The legislation, House Bill 671, also seeks to abolish limited driving permits, which are commonly given to drivers found guilty of DUI. Rather than getting the limited driving permit, these drivers would instead receive an ignition interlock device, intended to prevent them from driving while intoxicated. The interlock device renders a vehicle inoperable by requiring drivers to blow before they can start their car.
The bill, if passed, would also require drivers to use the interlock device for a period of one year. At this time, the law allows those convicted of DUI first offense to regain driving privileges after just four months — provided they meet specific criteria. The interlock device not only records drivers’ blood alcohol levels prior to operating their car, but it also takes a picture of the blower, each time the device is blown into.
Proponents of the bill claim that it would serve to put those convicted of DUI first offense back on the road as quickly as possible. They also say that it would save lives by successfully preventing subsequent DUIs from occurring. Those accused of DUI in Georgia may be able to avoid punishment and conviction by employing a well-organized criminal defense. Indeed, the accuracy of breathalyzer tests is often scrutinized by courts. Just because a breathalyzer test is brought forward as evidence against the accused does not mean that an accused individual will ultimately be convicted on those grounds.
Source: times-herald.com, DUI bill aims to expand use of ignition interlock tool, Sarah Fay Campbell, Feb. 28, 2014