State looking at drunk driving laws

BOSTON, Mass. (AP/WWLP) - Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other concerned citizens testified in Boston in support of Senate Bill 1925 which would mandate that alcohol ignition interlocks be installed on the vehicles of all convicted drunk drivers, including first time offenders.

Currently in Massachusetts the devices are only required for repeat offenders.  They are required to have an ignition interlock device on their vehicles for a period of two years upon reinstatement of their driving privileges, plus any time spent on a hardship license.

Under S-1925, first offenders would be required to have the ignition interlock installed for a period of six months after reinstatement of their drivers license, plus any additional time spent on a hardship license.

The American Beverage Institute, which represents over 120 Massachusetts restaurants, sent a letter to the Joint Transportation Committee disputing the proposal.   They believe it will be expensive to enforce and that the focus of the legislation should be on high blood alcohol concentration and repeat offenders.