New Mexico DUI breath test
Reader’s Question:
My brother-in-law was convicted with DUI here in New Mexico and was required to have an ignition interlock device on his car. This is only his first DUI conviction. Does it really help to have this kind of device to prevent him on having another drunk driving incident and does this law also help in reducing DUI offenses?
Frances
Albuquerque, NM
New Mexico was the first state in the US to require installing an ignition interlock device in their vehicles for drivers convicted with DUI, even for the first time. This law was passed back in 2005. This kind of device would actually require the driver to blow into and pass a breathalyzer every time they want to drive. The interlock will stop the vehicle from turning over or starting if any alcohol is detected.
Many people find this law very helpful. In 2006, just a year after enacting this law, New Mexico detailed how the ignition interlock device had helped reduce drunk driving by 12%. Also in 2006, the ignition interlock devices in New Mexico kept about 63,000 people from starting their cars. Because of that, three other states in the country have adopted similar DUI laws requiring first-time offenders to install ignition interlock devices in their cars.
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