Story Created:
Nov 19, 2009 at 4:03 PM EST
Story Updated:
Nov 19, 2009 at 5:19 PM EST
(WKTV) - On Wednesday, lawmakers passed some of the strictest DWI laws in the country.
One of those laws forces those who are convicted of DWI to install an ignition interlock device into their vehicle.
What is it, and what are the costs?
Ignition interlock is a device you must blow into before you start your vehicle. Soon, anyone in New York State who gets a DWI may have to put one in their vehicle. This means they will have to blow into the interlock device first - and if they have a .02 or less BAC, then their vehicle will start.
There is a whole
website devoted to the ignition interlock device for those who need one. That's because if your forced to have one, you're on your own to make sure to get one. And soon, people convicted of DWI in New York State will have too.
The law states that anyone who needs the device will have to pay for it themselves. There is an initial fee for the device - a fee to have it installed and then a fee of around $60 per month to have it in your vehicle.
In order for your car to start, you must blow into the device. If your blood alcohol content is .02 or less the car will start.
Law enforcement officials said .02 is generally what is in mouthwash or medicines.
Once the car is started however, the driver must continue to blow into the device every few minutes while driving - the intention is to avoid having someone else start a vehicle.
Part of those new New York State DWI laws will take affect in 30 days - if you have a child in the vehicle while you're drinking and driving, stiffer penalties will soon be imposed.
However, this new ignition interlock program wont take affect for another 9 months.
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