Colorado drivers who are convicted of driving under the influence will now have to pay for ignition interlock devices. This is according to a bill that passed the Nevada Senate on a recent Friday. The vote for this bill affecting DUI drivers, called SB259, was unanimous.
As a result of this bill, the courts will now require drivers with DUI convictions to have interlock devices for a minimum of six months. The bill essentially doubles the amount of time that must pass before such a driver can operate a vehicle again if he or she refuses to use an interlock device. Prior to the bill, that mandatory time period was 90 days.
SB259, however, gives a driver who has been charged with driving under the influence the opportunity to avoid administrative suspension, by agreeing to use an interlock device before his or her case is resolved in court. These devices, which make it impossible for drivers to start their cars if their alcohol levels are detected as being 0.02 or more, cannot be rented and carry a price tag of about $75 per month — or $2.50 per day. According to the bill, low-income drivers who have to get to work will be eligible for reductions in their monthly fees.
Nevada’s DUI laws are among the country’s most stringent, and unfortunately, being convicted of DUI can have negative long-term consequences. Fortunately, just because drivers are taken into custody for DUI does not mean they will end up being found guilty at trial. A knowledgeable attorney can help with providing aggressive representation while ensuring that all of the client’s rights are upheld during this type of criminal law proceeding.
Source: nevadaappeal.com, “Nevada Senate passes DUI interlock bill“, April 21, 2017
