D'Amico Legislation Aimed at Reducing Drunk Driving Takes Effect

Two new laws sponsored by state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, to help reduce the number of drunk drivers took effect earlier this year. Both laws will require those charged with Driving under the Influence (DUI) to install a device in their car designed to detect alcohol, preventing repeat drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel.

“I want to make sure that Illinois’ roads are safe from drunk drivers, and both measures are a good step forward in our efforts to rid the roads of dangerous drivers,” D’Amico said. “As a father and a husband, safety is always a top priority for me and cracking down on those who endanger lives by getting behind the wheel drunk is critical.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, ignition interlocks reduce repeat DWI offenses by about 70 percent while installed. In Illinois, Breath Alcohol Interlock Ignition Devices (BAIIDs) require drivers with a history of driving under the influence to pass a breath test before starting their cars. If the device is tampered with or the driver tries to drive intoxicated, the device will alert the Secretary of State.

Currently, DUI offenders in Illinois are prohibited from driving for a certain period, but can apply for restricted driving permits in which a BAIID is required as a condition of two or more DUIs within 10 years. Legislation sponsored by D’Amico, Senate Bill 627, requires repeat offenders to install a BAIID as a condition of a driving permit within any period of time. D’Amico also passed House Bill 1081, which helped close a loophole that allowed repeat DUI offenders to drive employer-owned vehicles without a BAIID installed. Both bills received bipartisan support and were signed into law this year.

“One DUI-related injury or death is one too many, and any practical measure we can take to improve the safety of our roads and communities must be taken,” D’Amico said. “I want to thank Mothers Against Drunk Driving for their tireless advocacy on this issue and look forward to continuing our efforts to eliminate drunk driving from Illinois.”

For more information about these laws or any state-related issues, please contact D’Amico’s fulltime constituent service office at 773-736-0218 or johnd@ilga.gov.