HB 551 Summary

• Requires mandatory installation of state-approved ignition interlock systems on all motor vehicles for persons convicted of driving under the influence or who refuse evidentiary testing, at the offender's expense.

• Establishes ignition interlock system requirement periods: one (1) year following suspension for first offense refusals, two (2) years for second refusals within ten (10) years, and one (1) year following suspension for test failures.

• Allows courts to relieve offenders from ignition interlock installation only upon clear and convincing evidence that the person will not present danger to the public or that exceptional circumstances exist; financial hardship alone is not sufficient grounds for relief.

• Creates a new section establishing electronic monitoring devices as a separate sanction that courts may impose as a condition of probation when restricted driving privileges are granted between certain times or curfews are imposed.

• Establishes a county "court interlock device and electronic monitoring device fund" supported by a fifteen dollar ($15.00) surcharge on all DUI convictions to assist indigent defendants and fund alcohol/drug treatment programs.

• Effective date: January 1, 2019.