5/2/08-Gov. Dave Heineman has signed a bill into law that requires people found guilty of driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher to have an ignition interlock device installed to their vehicle. The rule applies to all drivers, including first-time offenders.
The new law, previously LB736, takes effect in 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.
Typically, offenders lose their licenses for six months. The new law allows them to apply for interlock devices after not driving for 30 days. Permit holders could drive only to work, school or alcohol treatment for the next five months.
First-time offenders found guilty of driving with a BAC of 0.15 or more would face a two-month suspension before applying for a special permit. They would be required to drive with the device installed for 10 months.
The same rule applies for repeat offenders.