Utah Legislature Considers Sobriety Checkpoint Ban

Lawmakers in Utah are proposing legislation that would prohibit sobriety checkpoints by law enforcement. HB140 opposes the use of sobriety checkpoints for DUI or other offenses. Sobriety checkpoints involve police stopping and checking motorists on a roadway for impairment. Many Utah legislators disagree on the effectiveness of checkpoints at improving safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shown that there is no correlation between checkpoint stops and alcohol-related fatalities [though this does not address any changes in non-fatal outcomes such as DUI citation or crashes]. Some believe law enforcement already have enough tools to combat impaired driving while others believe checkpoints help deter the behavior.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=960&sid=19192238

VA Bill Would Require Interlocks for First-Time Offenders

Legislation requiring ignition interlocks for first-time drunken driving offenders in Virginia narrowly passed a Senate committee and is headed for the Senate floor. This law would require convicted offenders to have a restricted license with an ignition interlock device for a period of time, often six months. Del. Salvatore Iaquinto proposed the bill and a companion bill has already cleared the House of Delegates. Virginia law currently requires interlocks for repeat drunken drivers or first-time, high BAC offenders. In 2010, drunken drivers killed 274 Virginians and injured another 5,578.

http://www.roanoke.com/politics/wb/304746

New CT DUI Laws Shorten License Suspensions and Mandate Interlocks

A new law in Connecticut makes it mandatory for first-time convicted DUI offenders to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. Previous laws required a one-year license suspension for convicted offenders but the new law reduces that to 45 days, plus a year with an ignition interlock. Offenders with two DUI convictions will also serve the 45-day suspension in addition to having an interlock device on their vehicle for three years. The devices cost those convicted about $100 per month, with the cost being paid by the offender, not the state.

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/New-DUI-Laws-Shorten-License-Suspensions-and-Mandate-Ignition-Locks-136622898.html

Changed AZ DUI Law Is Gentler For First-Time Offenders

Beginning this year, Arizona’s changed ignition interlock law requires that first-time offenders have an ignition interlock device installed for only six-months rather than a year which was the previous standard. Arizona is one of 15 states requiring the devices for first-time offenders and has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. The state has required mandatory ignition interlocks for first-time offenders since 2007 and makes it the responsibility of the offender to pay for the costs of the device. Alcohol-related fatalities in Arizona have decreased from 399 in 2006 to 210 in 2010 since requiring first-time offenders to install interlocks.

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/70f10ee3e206472fbb3bbfeb817bfd6c/AZ–DUI-Interlock-Devices/

Some AAA Clubs Offer Safe Driving Alternatives During New Year’s Holiday Weekend

As millions of Americans prepare to ring in the New Year, AAA urges motorists to remember the safety precautions they should take during this festive season. Drive only while drug- and alcohol-free, select a designated driver, take a cab or stay with a friend.

While not a nationwide program, some AAA clubs offer Tow-to-Go or Tipsy Tow service during holidays. Please visit the AAA NewsRoom for a list of states and cities where the service is available. For a comprehensive list of other community programs listed by state, please visit this page on AAA’s DUI Justice Link website.

Please join AAA , by Taking the Pledge, in a commitment to driving only while drug- and alcohol-free.