Taimoor Rana is seasoned criminal defense attorney specializing in DUI related cases. He shares his expert legal opinion here « NY Approves Mandatory Ignition Interlock DWI Law
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- According to an announcement made by a New York Republican, Senator Joseph Griffo, Albany lawmakers have approved legislation to require an ignition interlock device for all DWI convictions.
The Senate has passed legislation for the second year now, to make ignition interlock devices compulsory for all persons convicted of DWI in New York. Griffo has co-sponsored S.27-B, which is the bill that has played as a key tool in saving a number of lives that are lost each year due to alcohol-related auto accidents in New York.
The bill’s passage has been announced as a huge victory for the safety of the road, as said by Griffo. Ignition interlock devices stop a person from driving a car, if they register a BAC over the legal limit.
The legal limit may be as low as .02%, for repeat DWI offenders, which is typically one drink. The device requires periodic readings while the car is in operation, making it impossible to override by other means.
According to Griffo, this law will help to strengthen and expand the existing laws he has helped enact since his election in 2007. He, along with other lawmakers believe that New York is at the head of the pack in DWI enforcement. After the enforcement of this new law, New York will be the 12th state to make ignition interlock devices obligatory in all DWI convictions, even first-offenses.
In most states, the use of ignition interlock devices is left up to the judge. The judge rules on the merits of the case, such as previous records of drunk driving, level of danger, and even the exact blood alcohol level recorded.
The basic reason behind the hesitation of states to introduce this legislation is due to the high expense. It can cost as much as $1,000 with installation and maintenance. New Mexico has solved this issue by covering a portion of the expense out of a state fund. Currently, New York hasn’t announced any measures to help pay for the expense.
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