ST. PAUL – In an effort to keep repeat drunk drivers off the road, State Representative Tony Cornish (R-Vernon Center) is co-authoring legislation requiring an ignition interlock device installation on the vehicle of convicted drunk drivers, beginning with their second violation.
"Our DWI task force recommended a number of provisions that would strengthen our driving under the influence laws, and I believe this is one that can pass," Cornish said. "We needed to find a balance between creating a strong punishment and allowing offenders to continue living their lives, because these folks still need to drive to work."
Interlock devices connect to a car's electrical starter and do not allow the car to start if it detects a preset level of alcohol on the driver's breath. According to a 2014 Government Accountability Office report, the use of ignition interlocks can reduce the rate of re-arrests for DUI by up to 70 percent.
The bill Cornish is co-authoring would mandate its use for the driver's second DUI offense over a ten-year period, and for the driver's third offense or more over the course of their lifetime. He added that there are a number of safeguards within the device to ensure that someone else is not blowing into the machine and that they are highly reliable. Offenders, not the state, would pay for the device.
"The goal is to get more drunk drivers off the road," Cornish said. "We want them to continue being productive in their career by allowing them to drive, but most importantly, we want to ensure public safety."