Lawmakers seek tougher penalties against convicted DUI offenders

Lawmakers tout bill that installs Breathalyzer technology on cars

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Lawmakers are looking for tougher penalties against convicted DUI offenders. They’re touting a bill that installs Breathalyzer technology on cars as a lifesaving tool, if they can get it passed.

Lawmakers are pushing for the technology, known as an ignition interlock device, to be installed on all first-time offenders' cars if they’re convicted of drunken driving.

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Frank Harris, with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, gave a demonstration.

"And now it’s analyzing, and I passed," Harris said.

First time offenders already have the devices installed on their cars but only if they were convicted with a .15 blood alcohol level or above. A bill moving through the Capitol would lower that threshold.

Kristen Allen, with MADD, said IIDs were responsible for stopping nearly 2 million drivers around the country from driving drunk.

"Residents and visitors deserve to drive without fear that the driver next to them has recklessly chosen to drive drunk," Allen said.

Lawmakers said it's about saving lives.

"We need to do what we can to curb that behavior, and make sure we have fewer victims that just go out innocently to drive on our roads," Rep. Scott Plakon said.

But opponents said the price tag -- about $80 a month -- means many drivers don't get them even when court-ordered. What's worse is a drunken driver could have a sober person pass the breath test for them before they get behind the wheel.

The device would stay on a first-time offender's car for six months if the legislation passes.