CS/HB 479 Summary - Ignition Interlock Devices

• Requires mandatory placement of ignition interlock devices on all vehicles owned or leased by persons convicted of DUI for specified periods based on offense number and aggravating factors (12-36 months depending on conviction type)

• Provides first-time DUI offenders the option to choose between driver license suspension or ignition interlock device installation for at least 12 months, though court retains discretion to revoke the license

• Lowers the allowable blood-alcohol threshold for ignition interlock devices from 0.025 to 0.05 percent and expands prohibited conduct to include tampering with or circumventing the devices

• Allows persons with prior DUI arrests to operate employer-owned vehicles without interlock devices if the employer has been notified of the driving restriction before operation

• Permits drivers to reduce mandatory interlock device requirements on a day-for-day basis by complying with ignition interlock license requirements during suspension or revocation periods

• Effective date: October 1, 2013