First-time DUI offenders in Wisconsin would be required to use an ignition interlock device (IID) under a proposal from Senator Chris Larson, D—Milwaukee, and Representative Tony Staskunas, D—West Allis. Specifically, Senate Bill 320 would require:

“… a court to order the operating privileges of a person who commits a first offense related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, regardless of his or her alcohol concentration, be restricted to operating vehicles that are equipped with an ignition interlock device.”

Current law requires use of ignition interlock devices (IID’s) for first-time offenders with blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher and for all repeat offenders.

The National Motorists Association does not condone or promote drunk driving in any way. We do, however, encourage policymakers to consider thoughtful solutions to the drunk-driving problem. Unfortunately, IID’s don’t fall into this category. The devices have proven unreliable, and a well-documented California DMV study found first-time offenders with interlocks on their cars had higher subsequent accident rates than first-time offenders without the devices.

Last year Mothers Against Drunk Driving floated a proposal requiring IID’s in every new vehicle sold. We know that national efforts like these begin incrementally at the local or state level, and MADD is mobilizing its Wisconsin members to support this bill.

The NMA opposes this legislation because IID’s are not an effective deterrent to drunk driving and because, if passed, this legislation may pave the way for even broader use of the devices.

SB 320 was introduced this week and has been referred to the Judiciary, Utilities, Commerce, and Government Operations committee. Please contact the committee members as well as your own Senator and Representative to let them know this bill won’t make Wisconsin’s roads any safer.