Sacramento —Senator Bob Huff (R – Diamond Bar) joined Governor Schwarzenegger and many leaders in the law enforcement community at a press conference today to highlight his legislation Senate Bill 598 that was recently signed by the Governor.
SB 598 allows a repeat offender to voluntarily install an ignition interlock device (IID) after a DUI offense to apply for a restricted license at an earlier time.
Also in attendance was Assemblyman Mike Feuer, who authored a companion measure that creates an ignition interlock device pilot program and allows repeat DUI offenders to apply for a restricted license if they install an ignition interlock device on their vehicles
47 states have either a mandatory or discretionary ignition interlock law, but of the approximately 1.4 million drunk driving offenders arrested and convicted each year nation-wide, only 10% of convicted DUI drivers who have been ordered to install an interlock device on their vehicle have done so.
In 2006, in California, there were 23,689 people convicted of driving with a suspended license. Overwhelmingly, the research studies have demonstrated a significant reduction – ranging from 50% to 90% - in recidivism while the devices are installed. But they are only effective if installed.
“Sadly, only a small percentage of people convicted of multiple DUIs are required by court to install an IID on their vehicles to discourage recidivism,” Senator Huff commented. “SB 598 provides one more tool to proactively fight drunk driving.”
SB 598 passed unanimously through both policy and fiscal committees in both houses and was signed by the Governor on October 11.
Senator Bob Huff serves as the Senate Republican Caucus Chair. He represents portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. You can follow Senator Huff on Twitter @bobhuff99.
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