The State of Kentucky has taken a huge step forward to making roads safer for everyone who drives on them. A new driving under the influence (DUI) law went into effect on June 24th, 2015, and now the state is getting ready to crack down on repeat drunk drivers with a new, harsher penalty.
Any repeat offender with a second, third, or further offense in the state will be required to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle they drive. Although there isn’t an exact date for offenders to begin the new ignition interlock program in Kentucky, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in the state is fully supportive of the new law. That’s because they know ignition interlocks work to reduce the likelihood that a drunk driver will drive drunk again by up to 67%.
Like other states, the ignition interlock program in Kentucky will require all drivers to have an interlock device with camera installed in any vehicle they drive. The driver will be required to blow into their ignition interlock device anytime they drive their vehicle, and if they blow over a set limit, the car simply won’t start. The camera will snap a photo of the driver as they blow, and that works to prevent anyone else from blowing into the device.
Most states require drivers with ignition interlock devices to take rolling re-tests. These tests require the driver to blow into the ignition interlock while they are driving, and if they fail the test, the car horn will begin honking and the driver will have to pull over and stop the vehicle.
With the new ignition interlock penalty on the way, repeat drunk drivers in Kentucky can expect to think before they drink and get behind the wheel. Ignition interlocks are the safest option for everyone who drives on the roads with convicted drunk drivers.