Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
To help keep local roads safe, state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, passed legislation this week expanding the use of alcohol-detecting ignition locks ensuring that DUI offenders cannot get behind the wheel intoxicated again.
“Too many innocent lives are put at risk by the reckless decisions of those who choose to drive while intoxicated,” D’Amico said. “I want to make sure that DUI offenders will be monitored and reported to the authorities should they continue to make such dangerous decisions.”
D’Amico introduced Senate Bill 627 in the House, which increases the use of Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIID) for DUI offenders, if issued a restricted driving permit. These devices require the driver to pass a breath test before starting their cars. If the device is tampered with or the driver tries to drive intoxicated, the device will alert the Secretary of State. Currently, DUI offenders are prohibited from driving for a certain period, but can apply for restricted driving permits in which a BAIID is required as a condition of two or more DUIs within ten years. D’Amico’s legislation would require repeat offenders to install a BAIID as a condition of a driving permit within any period of time. This bill also requires DUI offenders to sign the “Warning to Motorists,” a warning already given verbally to offenders to explain the consequences of chemical testing.
“My mission as Secretary of State is to make the roads of Illinois the safest ever,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. “This legislation will further strengthen our state’s DUI laws, which will make our roads safer and save lives. I want to applaud Rep. John D’Amico for being such in leader in the General Assembly on traffic safety issues.”
Senate Bill 627 passed the House unanimously and is being sent back to the Senate for further consideration.
