Oklahoma drunk driving offenders required to install ignition interlock

The US state of Oklahoma is implementing stricter measures to combat drunk driving. Governor, Mary Fallin, signed a bill into law mandating that all first-time drunk driving offenders place an ignition interlock in their car.

Supporters think the new law, effective from 1 November, will reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road.

An ignition interlock is a small breathalyser that offenders install in their car. When they enter their car, they need to breathe into the device, which measures the level of alcohol in the blood. If the level exceeds the legal limit of .08, the car will not start.

Once someone installs the interlock device, they will not be able to use a keypad to start their car remotely.

Once the new law is in effect, drivers stopped by the police on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol will have to take a breathalyser test. If they fail this, they will have two choices. They can agree to install an ignition interlock on their car for six months and enrol in a driver education course. If they pass the course, they can remove the interlock device.

The second option is to go to court and contest the drunk driving charge. If found guilty, they will have their driving privileges revoked for one year.

Similar laws exist in 29 other US states. Some attorneys, specialising in representing persons accused of drunk driving, claim the law is unconstitutional and plan to challenge it in court.