Phoenix, Arizona—Two bills working through the Arizona legislature would reduce penalties for first-time DUI offenders. SB 1200, introduced by Sen. Linda Gray (R-Glendale), would reduce the mandatory ignition interlock for from one year to six months for first-time offenders. A separate bill sponsored by Rep. David Smith (R-Scottsdale) would eliminate the requirement entirely for first-time offenders.
Ignition interlock devices initially were introduced in 2001 and utilized exclusively for repeat offenders. The use of the devices was expanded to all drunk driving convictions in 2007. Presently, people convicted of DUI are required to maintain the devices for at least one year. The costs associated with the devices are substantial, including an installation fee, monthly service fee and removal fee.
But don't be fooled into thinking that the proposed changes ease the legal sanctions for drinking and driving. Even if one of these proposed bills becomes law, Arizona still will have some of the strictest DUI laws on the books.
As an example, a person found guilty for the first time of being "impaired to the slightest degree" faces a minimum of one day in jail, fines ranging between $250-$2,500, driver's license suspension for 90 days and mandatory use of an ignition interlock device for one year following the suspension. A second offense within seven years carries a minimum of 30 days jail, fines of $250-$2,500, revocation of driving privileges for one year and one year use of an ignition interlock device once driving privileges are restored.
Regardless of what comes of the bills aimed at reducing or eliminating the use of an ignition interlock device for first time offenders, DUI remains a very serious criminal offense in Arizona. |
