It may not seem like it to anyone who has faced a DUI conviction and its many consequences, but California isn’t considered a state that’s especially tough on drunk drivers. That’s despite the fact that eight out of the ten cities in the country with the highest drunk driving rates are here – from Oakland and Sacramento in the north to Los Angeles and San Diego in the south.
State lawmakers hope that a bill recently signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom will help change that. Last month, Gov. Newsom signed a law that requires anyone who is convicted of or pleads guilty to DUI – even if it’s a first offense – to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their vehicle before they can be allowed to legally drive. The group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other safety organizations have been advocating for this for several years.
Although California was known to have an “all offender” IID law, there were loopholes that allowed many first-time offenders to escape the mandate. The new law closes those loopholes. One California district attorney who supported the new law noted that in states where all DUI offenders are required to install an IID, DUI rates have gone down by 15%.”
What to know about IIDs
As most people know, an IID is a breathalyzer-type device attached to a vehicle’s ignition system. It requires a driver to blow into it to prove they haven’t been drinking before the vehicle will start. It also requires a driver to take random or “rolling” retests to ensure that they continue to stay sober while driving.
While an IID can be costly, inconvenient and sometimes embarrassing, it’s better to have one than to risk another criminal charge for driving without a valid license. However, it’s important to understand how they work and to do what’s required to maintain it while it’s installed. While an IID might not seem like a “privilege,” it does restore driving privileges during a time when a driver’s license would otherwise be suspended. It also prevents people from driving under the influence of alcohol, so it can be a lifesaver.
The best way to avoid needing an IID to drive is to avoid a DUI conviction. That’s why it’s smart to get legal guidance as soon as possible after being charged with DUI.