HB 1344 Summary

• Establishes "ignition interlock driver" designation for persons court-restricted to operate only vehicles equipped with functioning certified ignition interlock devices.

• Requires courts to designate certain individuals as ignition interlock drivers and grant restricted driving privileges; permits Bureau of Motor Vehicles to extend suspension periods when violations occur if ignition interlock device is installed.

• Creates ignition interlock assistance fund administered by BMV, funded by $100 fee collected by ignition interlock vendors, to assist indigent persons with device installation and licensing costs.

• Raises criminal penalty for tampering with an ignition interlock device from Class B to Class A misdemeanor and specifies suspension periods based on number of prior operating while intoxicated convictions.

• Transfers ignition interlock device standards and approval authority from BMV to state department of toxicology and establishes ignition interlock oversight committee to evaluate issues and make legislative recommendations.