Politicians in Sacramento want more ways to control the vehicles of thousands of drivers, this time through a proposed mandate to install breathalyzers for every Californian that drives under the influence.
A panel of lawmakers gave the first vote of approval last week to state legislation that would expand the use of ignition interlock devices, which when installed in vehicles prevents the engine from starting if the driver’s breath alcohol concentration exceeds a set limit.
The state has already authorized use of the devices since the 1980s. However, currently, judges have discretion whether to require a first-time DUI offender to install them for up to six months. Only repeat offenders and those that caused bodily harm have to use the devices regardless.
The bill, pushed by Irvine Democrat Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, would take all of the judges’ discretion away and require the devices for all offenders, which could affect “tens of thousands” of more drivers, legislative analysts said.
Petrie-Norris contends the legislation would vastly improve safety. According to the analysts, first-time DUI convictions comprise about 40% of all misdemeanor convictions in a given year.
“There should be no ‘first-time free pass’—accountability must begin with the first conviction, before offenders become repeat threats,” Petrie-Norris said in a Friday statement. “California’s current system is failing too many families.”
Still, there are questions around the effectiveness of the ignition devices, which lawmakers have attempted at least ten times in the state’s history to make universally obligatory for DUI drivers. One past pilot program concluded the devices were “associated with substantial increases in subsequent crashes” as opposed to simply revoking the licenses of first-time offenders.
The fact the bill wouldn’t give judges discretion anymore has also stirred up some opposition. A minor who misjudged the size of a drink is a far different situation than a binge drinking adult, opponents said.
“Eliminating that discretion does little to enhance safety while imposing substantial costs on drivers—particularly those with limited financial means—and creating a guaranteed market expansion for private IID vendors,” the California Public Defenders Association said in its testimony.
The bill, however, has broad bipartisan support and is backed by law enforcement organizations. It has until end of August to pass the legislature.
California lawmakers are eyeing other efforts to improve road safety, some of which are more controversial.
Another piece of legislation pending this year would force severe speeders to install devices that track location and can control a vehicle’s acceleration.