Rep. D'Amico Passes Bill to Close Loophole for DUI Offenders

D’Amico Passes Bill to Close Loophole for DUI Offenders

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, passed legislation closing a loophole that could allow repeat DUI offenders back on Illinois’ roads Wednesday.

“When courts say that drivers who repeatedly show they won’t follow the law are too dangerous to allow behind the wheel, we need to make sure they can’t exploit a loophole and put our families at risk,” D’Amico said. “I want to make sure we continually update our laws, so we can keep our communities safe, and keep drunk drivers off the roads.”

Earlier this year, D’Amico passed legislation expanding the use of Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIID), for repeat DUI offenders. The legislation is currently awaiting the governor’s signature. DUI offenders can apply for restricted driving permits in which a BAIID is required. These devices require the driver to pass a breath test before starting their cars, and if the device is tampered with or the driver tries to drive intoxicated, the device will alert the Secretary of State.

A strong voice for road safety, D’Amico passed House Bill 1054 earlier this week, which further restricts repeat DUI offenders by closing a loophole that could have allowed repeat DUI offenders to drive employer-owned vehicles without the BAIID installed. Under House Bill 1054, Illinois would adopt the federal Repeat Intoxicated Driver Law, in which repeat DUI offenders would have to drive with a BAIID for one year before being allowed to operate any employer-owned vehicle. The bill was approved with bipartisan support in the House.

“Strengthening our DUI laws will help crack down on drunk drivers carelessly putting innocent lives in danger,” D’Amico said. “I will keep working to reinforce our laws, so we can reduce repeat offenses.”

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