5/7/08-Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill into law this spring to require people found guilty more than once of driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. The new law takes effect this July.
Interlocks are hooked up to the ignition of vehicles. Once such a device is installed, a driver must blow into a mouthpiece, which measures the amount of alcohol on a person’s breath. If the driver blows clean, the car will then start; if not, it won’t budge.
In addition, the devices often require drivers to re-blow in the machine after a designated period of time, to ensure that they have not convinced someone else to blow into the mouthpiece for them, or that they haven’t been drinking since getting behind the wheel.
The new law, previously LD856, requires installation of the devices for an amount of time that would depend on the length and severity of individuals’ driving records.

12/12/07-A bill from Sen. Lynn Bromley, D-South Portland, would require people with previous drunken driving convictions to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.
LD856 would require installation of the devices for an amount of time that would depend on the length and severity of their driving records. The cost of installing the devices would be the driver’s responsibility.
It is expected to draw consideration during the regular session that begins Jan. 2.
For bill status, call (207) 287-1692. In Maine, call 1-800-423-6900.