New state law requires repeat-DWI offenders to install breathalyzer devices on their cars
Jul 1, 2009, 10:06 PM
By RYAN DAVIS
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This device must be purchased at the offender's expense, and there are some throughout the community who have high hopes that the law will be effective in reducing alcohol-related incidents.
Beginning today, Missouri state law will require repeat DWI offenders to install a breathalyzer, or IID, in their vehicle in order to gain limited driving privileges, after serving the minimum time on their restriction period.
Although no exact price for the device was given by the Warrensburg Police Department, according to ignitioninterlockdevice.org, the person will pay an installation fee ranging from $50-$200, a monthly rental fee ranging from $50-$100, as well as fees for data downloads, maintenance expenses and calibration appointments, which are usually scheduled every 60 days.
The device must be installed by a certified person or agency throughout the state. According to a representative in the office of attorney Daniel Carter, who specializes in DWI violations, Sound By Design, 120 E. Gay St., is the only known local installer. The individual will be required to show proof of installation upon application for the reinstatement of his or her driving privileges.
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| There are several varieties of IIDs, all of which are designed to prevent offenders from repeat occurances. (Photo courtesy of Google Images) |
“It’s through the Missouri Department of Transportation and it’s like right now, if you get a DWI, you are required -- in order to get your driver’s license reinstated -- to show proof of insurance or proof of taking an alcohol class,” said police Sgt. Scott Munsterman, of the Warrensburg Police Department’s traffic division.
“Just like that, there are certain criteria that you have to meet and you have to show proof to the (state) Department of Revenue. Failure to do so will result in your driving privileges remaining either restricted or revoked.”
The breathalyzer must be installed, and maintained, for a period of six months, beginning at the reinstatement date. Failure to maintain the device could result in the loss of driving privileges for two years, or until the reinstatement requirements are met. The requirements include paying a fine of $20 and showing proof of installation of an IID.
Not everyone is eligible for installation of the device, however. Persons with two DWI convictions within a five-year period must serve at least two years of a five-year denial period, and those with three or more convictions must serve at least three years of a 10-year denial period before being considered.
Those finished with serving their five-year denial period for vehicular manslaughter, as well as those that fail to submit to alcohol or drug testing more than once, will also be required to install an IID and maintain it for the six-month period.
Although the law has met some opposition, there are others who said they think that requiring repeat offenders to install the device will prove to be beneficial and that it is a just punishment.
“(Because of the law) there will be less drunk drivers out there, and I would hope that the community would feel a little safer,” said Avis Lowe, a senior victim advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “Now, they will have a harsher punishment, which will make them think harder about what they are doing. That way, they won’t do it again.”
Kristin Sell, Warrensburg resident, thinks it is a necessary precaution to keep the roads a little safer.
“I think that it is a good idea. I understand that people make mistakes and that they are sorry for what they have done, but I also think that the necessary precautions should be made,” Sell said. “I think that it gives people a little more sense of peace -- if you break the rules, there should be consequences.”
Munsterman said, “I think (the law) is going to help prevent people from abusing alcohol, getting behind the wheel and choosing to drive. It will have the potential to save many lives out there.”
