Md. expands ignition interlock program
Since last November, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has proposed regulations to save more lives that have been lost due to drunk drivers. This week Governor Hogan announced the expansion of the ignition interlock program. The expansion would allow those accused drunk driving offenders to avoid having their license suspended if they put a breathalyzer system in their car. The program existed in Maryland for drivers who allegedly registered a blood alcohol content of 0.15. However, under the expansion, it would allow drunk drivers who register between a 0.08 and 0.14 blood alcohol concentration to opt-in to the program.
Lt. Tim Robinson from the Wicomico County y Sheriff’s Department says this is a good idea to keep repeat offenders off the road.
“So this is going to be a plus because some of the people that have been charged with a DUI are going to have an intermission interlock on their vehicle and this keeps them from driving again. If it keeps somebody from getting behind the wheel and killing somebody,” says Lt. Robinson.
However, attorney Michael Farlow thinks this will mainly deter first time offenders. One of the reasons is the cost.
“Some dealers charge as much as 300 hundred dollars to install the device, there is a monthly fee that ranges from like 50 to 100 dollars so that adds up,” says Farlow.
Farlow also says it can be an inconvenience of checking your BAC multiple times while you’re driving.
Farlow says that voluntarily opting into the program is not an admission of guilt and will not be taken into consideration by a judge when it comes to sentencing. He says the only thing that could possibly help a case is receiving counseling before you get to court.
“I advise my clients to go ahead and get into the class early and take it and to understand what there issues are,” says Farlow.
Attorney Farlow also referenced a need for stricter legislation for repeat drunk driving offenders. He did mention Noah’s law, a measure that is currently working its way through the general assembly
