Maine will soon be the 19th state to enact laws using in-car interlock driving technology to deter drunk driving.
A new law will take effect December 1 that will give first time DUI offenders a chance to drive again after 30 days if they install an interlock breathilizer device in their vehicles.
Those who refuse to install the device in their car will face a longer suspension of their license totaling 180 days according to the new bill, L.D. 1260 signed into law this month. Under prior Maine law the suspension period was 90 days.
The interlock device is wired into the ignition system of the car. The driver breathes into the device, which must show a blood alcohol lower than 0.08 percent for the car to start. Then the driver must pull over minutes later for a second test or the car’s horn will start honking.
Source: Press Herald
Photo credit: DUIarresthelp.com
