Federal Bill Mandates Interlocks For All OVI Offenders

WASHINGTON  — Legislation introduced in Congress recently would mandate ignition interlocks for all drunken driving offenders, including first-time offenders.

The House Transportation Reauthorization Bill would require all 50 states to order ignition interlocks  in-car breathalyzers as punishment for first-time OVI offenders. Only 15 states currently have laws as strict, with 27 others requiring interlocks only for offenders arrested with a blood alcohol content of .15 percent or higher.