September 21. 2007

Addison … Expressing the need to protect the public from repeat DUI offenders, State Representative Dennis Reboletti co-sponsored a new law requiring first time offenders to install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in their vehicle before getting their driving privileges reinstated.

“The aim of this new law is to prevent first-time DUI offenders from becoming repeat offenders and to keep drunk drivers off our roadways,” Reboletti said. “As a former prosecutor who has dealt with many DUI cases in the past, I have seen the senseless loss of life at the hands of these defendants. Hopefully the results of this legislation will be measured in the decline of fatalities.”

Senate Bill 300 was an initiative of MADD and would create a monitoring device drivers license (MDDL) which would allow first time DUI offenders to drive for any purpose as long as they drive only vehicles equipped with a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). A BAIID requires drivers to provide a breath sample before the vehicle can be started, and at random intervals to provide additional breath samples while the vehicle is being driven. For those offenders who do not have access to these vehicles, it requires that they use an alternate alcohol-monitoring device. This would apply to all first time DUI offenders after 30 days of their statutory summary license suspension period has expired – individuals under 18 years of age or those involved in fatal or serious injury accidents are ineligible. The monitoring device driver’s license would replace the current judicial driving permit.

Reboletti said. “I believe this new law will go a long way towards ensuring our roads are safer.”

Senate Bill 300 was signed into law by the Governor. Additional questions can be directed to Reboletti’s office at (630) 530-2730.