Ignition Interlock Bill for Drivers Passes Okla. House

The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved legislation that would require repeat drunken drivers to have alcohol detection devices installed in their vehicles before they could regain their driver’s licenses, the House Media Services Division reported.

“Drunk drivers kill people,” said state Rep. John Trebilcock, author of House Bill 1304. “They should be held accountable for their actions and prove to the public and courts that they can drive without drinking before they get their licenses back.”

Under the provisions of HB 1304, the vehicle of any person convicted of a second or subsequent offense of driving under the influence of alcohol would be outfitted with an interlock device for a 12-month period as a condition of reinstatement of a driver’s license.

Ignition interlock devices prevent people who have alcohol in their system from driving a car by linking the vehicle’s ignition to a blood alcohol-measuring device. If there is measurable alcohol in the blood, the vehicle does not start.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of driving under the influence are repeat offenders. Additionally, the agency reports that drivers with prior DUI or DWI convictions have a greater risk of involvement in a fatal crash.

Trebilcock, R-Broken Arrow, said not only do interlock devices prevent drivers from re-offending, but they also serve as a “serious social deterrent.” He told members during debate that he knew people who had the devices installed on their vehicle. “It gets their attention when they cannot take their boss to lunch or pick up a date without having to explain why they have this little black box in their car.”

The cost of installation and maintenance of the device would be borne by the offender, and any person convicted of tampering with the device would be guilty of a misdemeanor. A final provision of HB 1304 would prevent judges from waiving any fines imposed for driving during a period of suspension or revocation of license.

Some legislators expressed concern that it was too restrictive of driver’s rights. HB 1304 passed in the House 69-26 and passed in the Senate 47-0. The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk to await a signature before becoming law.