DUI Interlock Devices For First Time Offenders Clears Hurdle

A state measure to make it harder for drunk drivers to commit the same crime passed its first speed bump today. The House Science and Technology Committee signed off on a bill to expand the use of interlock devices on cars. There is a fight over this bill designed to save lives.

By: Jim Niedelman | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: May 13, 2009

A state measure to make it harder for drunk drivers to commit the same crime passed its first speed bump today.

The House Science and Technology Committee signed off on a bill to expand the use of interlock devices on cars.

There is a fight over this bill designed to save lives.

A simple voice vote breathes life into North Carolina's breathalyzer bill.

If adopted, devices like this would become mandatory on all cars driven by all D.U.I. offenders in the process of getting their licenses reinstated.

A positive alcohol test won't let a car start.

"If you're drinking and driving, you might get away with it the first time, but who knows, you may not get away with it the second time," said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ty Harrell, (D) Wake County.

Right now, the devices are required for all repeat offenders, but only for first timers caught with a blood alcohol level of .15 and higher.

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers argues there are very few first time offenders.

"The person that is typically arrested when they are caught with drunk driving, has had a, been drinking and driving 87 times before they're caught," said Craig Lloyd, North Carolina’s Executive Director for Mothers Against Drink Drivers..

Opposition comes from the beverage lobby.

The American Beverage Institute wants judges to decide on breathalyzer devices for first-timers with lower blood alcohol levels.

It denies trying to block the bill so that its restaurant clients can make money off of people who will drive drunk.

"There's something awful about that suggestion,” said American Beverage Institute Spokesperson Sarah Longwell. “Something, not only cynical, but indecent. We want 10 people to come into our restaurants and have 1 drink each, not 1 person to come in and have 10."

From here, the bill must clear the Judiciary 3 Committee before going to the House.

Until then, it's a debate waiting to exhale.

Opponents also claim the bill is the first step toward eventually making breathalyzer devices standard equipment on all cars for everyone.

The bill's sponsor, Representative Ty Harrell, says he opposes anything like that.