NEWS RELEASE

State's New Interlock Law Goes Into Effect January 1

This News Release was issued by the Washington State Patrol in partnership with the Washington Department of Licensing and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

December 29 , 2008

(Olympia) –State officials are hoping to see an increased number of alcohol ignition interlocks in use starting next month.

The state’s new Interlock License will allow those facing license suspension because they’ve either been charged with or convicted of driving while impaired to get their driving privileges restored. To do so, they must pay to have an alcohol interlock installed on their car.

Interlocks test the breath of drivers before allowing their car to start.

“The new Interlock License will make our roads a lot safer by ensuring that people who have been drinking won't be able to operate their vehicles because of the new alcohol-detection devices," said State Rep. Roger Goodman of Kirkland, the prime sponsor of the Interlock License legislation. “We already know that we can't trust known drunk drivers to obey the law, so while we'll still be tough on them we're also going to be smart by using innovative technology, and this new approach should save countless lives.”

Officials recognized that many convicted DUIs were driving anyway, many times for reasonable purposes such as work or school.

“Without the interlock, it was too easy for even the well-intentioned to fall back into their old habits,” said Director Liz Luce of the Washington Department of Licensing. “Interlocks will help them stay on the straight and narrow.”

The Interlock License is not available in cases where someone is charged with vehicular homicide or assault, has been convicted of those crimes in the previous seven years, or where their impairment was caused by a drug other than alcohol. Interlocks are only capable of detecting alcohol on the driver’s breath.

The law also requires applicants to provide proof they have insurance.

The Washington State Patrol believes Interlock Licenses will allow them to focus on the most dangerous repeat drunk drivers.

“Let’s use the interlock to monitor those who are truly trying to mend their ways,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “This license will free up troopers to look for the person who puts us all at risk by intentionally flaunting the law.”

The Interlock License is also supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who testified in favor during the 2008 legislative session.

“Why do people continue to drive drunk? Because they can,” said MADD’s Judy Eakin. “Ignition interlocks are a proven method of reducing the risk to society from impaired drivers.”

The Interlock License and law are expected to have minimal effect on the state’s budget. Those applying for Interlock Licenses are responsible for paying all costs related to the device and monitoring.

Director Lowell Porter of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission asked “What’s the greater cost if we don’t do this? We’re saving lives, and there is always a dollar cost related to fatal or serious injury collisions.”

In addition to the new license, WSP’s Impaired Driving Section has also been directed to start a pilot program in King and Yakima Counties in which the Patrol would exert greater regulatory authority over manufacturers and installers of interlock devices.