| Lawmaker Proposes Breath Test for Drunk Driving Offenders Seeking Driver's License |
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| Written by Missy Shelton | |
| Wednesday, 19 December 2007 | |
Listen in  MP3 format A Missouri lawmaker has filed legislation that would require breath tests in the cars of people convicted of their first drunk driving offense. House Transportation Committee chairman Neil St. Onge is sponsoring the bill. He says it will be a priority for his committee when session begins in January. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports. A Missouri lawmaker has filed legislation designed to keep drunk drivers off the roads. House Transportation Committee chairman Neil St. Onge is sponsoring the bill, which he says will be a priority for his committee when session begins in January. The legislation would require anyone with one or more Driving While Intoxicated or DWI convictions to get an interlock device for their car as a condition of getting a restricted driver's license. The interlock device requires drivers to pass a breath test before the engine will start. St. Onge says offenders would likely be required to have the device on their vehicles for six months and would have to pay to rent the devices themselves. St. Onge says his bill draws attention to the seriousness of DWIs. He says it's not too harsh.
Two states have passed similar laws: New Mexico and Washington. Some critics of the devices say it's easy to "fool" them by having a sober person blow into the device. Related Items:Lawmaker Calls for Special Session for Bridge Improvement LegislationKickapoo Students Emotional After High-Impact Drunk Driving Presentation MODOT Director Supports Stricter Seat Belt Enforcement MODOT Director Warns of Transportation Funding Crisis |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 December 2007 ) |
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