New Jersey Drunken Driver Ignition Lock Bill Approved

Some first-time drunken drivers will have to install ignition interlock devices under legislation approved by both houses of the New Jersey Legislature.

The Assembly and Senate both overwhelmingly passed the bill on Monday, sending it to Gov. Jon Corzine’s desk.

It will require first-time drunken drivers with a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 percent or higher — nearly twice New Jersey’s .08 limit — to install the device. The ignition interlock won’t let the vehicle start until the driver blows into the Breathalyzer-like device and is deemed sober.

Judges currently have the option of requiring the devices for first-time offenders for six months to a year after their license is restored. The devices are already required for repeat offenders.