A state senator has proposed a bill to make ignition interlock devices mandatory for first time DUI offenders:

Sen. Rafferty sponsors bill directed at first time DUI offenders

Local law enforcement leaders are fans of proposed state legislation that would require first-time DUI offenders to install a breath-alcohol content gauge in their vehicle.

Currently, offenders convicted of their second DUI are required to install the ignition interlock system in their vehicles. The system requires theWh offender to breathe into the equipment and prevents offenders from starting their vehicles if their breath-alcohol content is higher than 0.025 percent.

If this bill passes, it significantly increases the penalties for first time offenders. What is worst is that these devices are not specific to ethanol. They are subject to residual mouth alcohol and the consumption of totally benign totally legal foodstuffs reporting false positives. For example, eating bread, ordinary bread, can result in a false positive. What this means is major inconvenience to totally innocent motorists.  Interlock devices are expensive and increase the shame and stigma faced by a person convicted of DUI. Long after the person has paid their debt to society, they will face embarrassing questions from friends and co-workers about why they have to blow into a machine to start their car.

The penalties for a DUI conviction are becoming more and more harsh and damaging. If you are charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania please call 1-866-MCSHANE for a free consultation with PA DUI attorney who has the knowledge and experience to protect your rights.

Justin McShane

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.