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The new law, previously HB111, permits first-time offenders convicted with a blood-alcohol level below 0.08 to receive a conditional driver’s license immediately without a requirement to take an alcohol education course.
It also helps the state preserve $1.6 million in federal highway funds for lowering the drunken driving threshold.
A 2000 federal law requires each state’s legislature to adopt the 0.08 limit or lose 2 percent of its highway money.
7/12/04-State lawmakers have agreed to join the rest of the nation by lowering the state’s drunken-driving threshold from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent.
Gov. Ruth Ann Minner is expected to sign the measure, preserving federal road dollars.
The Senate voted 20-1 to approve the lower threshold, but only after adding an amendment to the bill – HB111 – that would permit first-time offenders convicted with a blood-alcohol level below 0.08 to receive a conditional driver’s license immediately without a requirement to take an alcohol education course. The House passed the amended bill unanimously.
The state stood to lose $2 million in federal highway funds if it did not make the change.
For bill status, call (302) 739-4114. In Delaware, call 1-800-282-8545.