There are a variety of different methods that states use to punish convicted DUI offenders while preventing DUI recidivism -- that is, getting drunk and driving again. Commonly, after the first offense, the driver's license is suspended from the onset, with stiff fines and possibly some community service landing the offender on trash detail off of I-90 in a day-glow monkey suit.
Commonly, a first-time offender may still find a harsh penalty. They can definitely find themselves with a steep ticket and an appearance at the municipal court house. Or, in some states, jail time may be a part of the punishment depending on what's current with the state's law books. However, when you are talking about repeat offenders, the penalties naturally get more rugged.
Some states implement a relatively new tool for a DUI offender that is called the ignition interlock system. This is basically a disabling system that can only allow a car's ignition to engage when the car's owner blows into an alcohol reading device attached and clears with a sober reading.
The interlock system has this blower device that extends from the car's dashboard. When given a good reading the electrical system activates and unlocks the ignition system allowing the car to be started. However, when the car is running the tester has to be blown into again every few minutes or so. This is considered the "rolling and running" retest, which eliminates the chance of having a sober friend unlocking it for them, or even worse, cracking open a brewski after given the system's go ahead.
One of the biggest advocates is the group MADD (mothers against drunk driving). However there has been some obstacles and resistance to fully implementing this device.
Interlock Limitations
The interlock device is, on its face, quite clever and novel of an invention. It's so attractive that the largest anti-drunk driving non-profit group MADD is touting its mandatory use for all states. However, it's unfortunate that there is little statistical evidence that shows DUI offenders repeating offenses less with states that use this.
For one, there are still loopholes despite the "rolling and running" retest system. The intoxicated person can simply take another car -- a friend's, a rental or otherwise. The system of retesting during the drive has shown, in some results, higher incidents of crashes. And, after nearly a decade of many states using this system, no good evidence has shown otherwise. Until the root of alcoholism is staved off, the DUI courts may not find this popular until it shows better results.
Related Articles
Do I Need A DUI Lawyer?
By: Gray Rollins | 02/02/2006 | Law
You've been arrested on a DUI charge. Now what do you do? Although most people will recommend that you hire a lawyer to represent your best interests many people do not do so, often because of shame and embarrassment.
Getting Stopped for Drunk Driving –the Police Officer's Observations
By: GotTrouble.com | 04/10/2007 | Health and Safety
When an officer pulls a driver over in the dark evening hours, he or she is on the alert to see if the driver is under the influence. He or she begins observations when approaching the car.
Should Underage Drinking be Allowed for Active Duty Military?
By: Maria Palma | 14/03/2008 | News and Society
There's been quite a bit of talk about lowering the drinking age limit for people who serve in the military. The argument posed is that these people are young enough to shoot guns, serve and die for the U.S., so why not allow them to drink legally?
Your Auto Insurance and a California Dui
By: andy taylor | 09/04/2008 | Law
According information given by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, as of January 1, 2007, if you request an out-of-house / public driving record printout, any DUI offense on your record will appear for 10 years from the violation date.
Virginia's Unaccredited Lab Picks a New Breath Alcohol Tester
By: Robert Keefer | 28/06/2008 | Politics
Virginia has chosen the EC/IR II to replace its old breath alcohol tester.
DWI, DUI, And BAC: Three Deadly Acronyms
By: Doug Smith | 06/03/2006 | Automotive
DWI - Driving While Intoxicated. DUI - Driving Under the Influence (of alcohol or drugs). BAC - Blood Alcohol Concentration (or Content). These three acronyms form a deadly combination. The main links between the three are alcohol and driving.
After a Dui; Treatment Can Help you Get Better, and Stay Out of Jail
By: Christin Shire | 09/10/2007 | Health
A DUI can cause you significant legal problems, but perhaps more worrisome are the use behaviors that allowed for the occurrence of the DUI. If you can use a DUI as a catalyst for personal change and the betterment of an abuse problem, your arrest may be the best thing that ever happened to you. Help yourself with needed treatment, and as you do it, show the judge your commitment to change.
6 Ways to Stop Drunk Driving
By: Maria Palma | 16/03/2008 | Culture
Drunk driving has been an ongoing issue not only the U.S., but in many areas around the world. Various organizations have tried different things to prevent drunk driving, but this problem keeps going on and on.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Law Articles
When the Rising Cost of Car Insurance Becomes a Pain in the Neck
By: Nick Jervis | 21/08/2008
When the latest quotes for your car insurance hit the doormat you may need to sit down before you open them: motor insurance premiums have more than doubled since 1994 and, over the last year alone, fully comprehensive and third party insurance premiums have gone up 5.9%. Yet according to...
An Ill Wind of Change?
By: Nick Jervis | 21/08/2008
The winds of change are blowing through the UK's employment legislation and it could well be an ill wind that blows nobody any good because the Government wants to scrap laws that require employers to retain insurance policy records for at least 40 years.
On the face of it that may...
Beating the Super Bugs
By: Nick Jervis | 21/08/2008
Our medical expertise is quite extraordinary these days with access to phenomenal hi-tech wizardry that can look inside our bodies, microsurgery that can save limbs and increasingly effective drugs, and yet the biggest battle we have is against the so called 'super bugs' such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile, commonly...
Deadly Dust Victims
By: Nick Jervis | 21/08/2008
Government plans to relax rules that require employers to keep Employers Liability Insurance records for up to 40 years could be very bad news indeed for former employees whose work-related illness didn't manifest until many decades later such as mesothelioma and Vibration White Finger.
Victims need access to Employers Liability Insurance...
Not Such Good Vibrations
By: Nick Jervis | 21/08/2008
Have you worked in the construction industry or forestry? Are you a grounds man, a green keeper or professional gardener? Then your profession could triggered Vibration White Finger (VWF) or Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Anyone working with vibrating hand-held tools over a prolonged period, whether it's a lawnmower or a...
Probate and Estate Planning
By: George Wellington | 20/08/2008
The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
There are few things in life that are an absolute certainty. Morbid as it sounds, death is one of those certainties. However,...
Train Accidents and Safety
By: James Hawthorne | 20/08/2008
Serious train accidents are caused by a variety of mechanical and/or human factors. A spokesman for the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, and others, have suggested that many mechanical failures are actually a result of deferred maintenance. The railroad companies, he said, in an effort to eke out greater profits...
Law Firm Marketing Tip: 3 Powerful Ways Article Marketing Can Benefit Personal Injury Attorneys
By: Stephen Fairley | 20/08/2008
Article marketing is a powerful tool that provides personal injury attorneys with the opportunity to market their law firm in a cost effective manner.
More from Art Gib
How to Make Your eBay Auction Listing Stand Out
By: Art Gib | 20/08/2008 | ECommerce
Making money on eBay requires a little bit more than finding something to sell and posting it on the auction site. You've got to know how to make your listing stand out and encourage people to click on it.
Right Now is the Time to Buy Real Estate in Provo, Utah
By: Art Gib | 20/08/2008 | Real Estate
Real estate has never been easier to find or more affordable in Provo, Utah. For a short time, the market hit a decline and prices lowered.
Finding Foreclosures in Orem, Utah
By: Art Gib | 20/08/2008 | Real Estate
Right now, the market for foreclosures is hot. While real estate purchases in general are in a decline, investors are finding great deals in the foreclosure market. Orem, Utah has a vast amount of foreclosures listed in the local real estate market at prices well below the market values for the property.
Mortgage Options in Orem, Utah
By: Art Gib | 19/08/2008 | Mortgage
Once you have found the real estate that you want to purchase in Orem, Utah, you will have to decide on what kind of mortgage you are going to get.
What You Need to Know When Relocating to Provo, Utah
By: Art Gib | 19/08/2008 | Real Estate
Are you considering purchasing real estate in Provo, Utah? Before you relocate, you need to consider certain things in order to make your move go as smoothly as possible.
Discount Ford Parts - Savings You Can Count On
By: Art Gib | 18/08/2008 | Cars
"Help the Other Fellow" was Henry Ford's motto and he lived by it. Finding new and quality discount Ford parts is just another part of that legacy.
How to Make Money on eBay by Selling eBooks and Other Digital Media
By: Art Gib | 18/08/2008 | Home Business
Digital media is in many ways the ultimate product to sell and make money on eBay with. This is because there is virtually no cost involved in the obtaining and distribution of digital media!
Life In Mississippi - More Than You Anticipated
By: Art Gib | 15/08/2008 | Real Estate
Thinking about life in Mississippi? Here's a few fun facts for the potential Mississippi real estate owner to chew on.
Law 
The percentage of people going \"around\" the device is acutally quite low- especially when compared to the the number of lives saved by the thousands operating the device correctly.