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Bay Area State Senator Pushing Ignition Lock Devices For Repeat DUI Offenders

SAN MATEO (KCBS)— State Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, proposed legislation aimed at curbing repeat drunk drivers on Friday. The state senator, flanked by CHP and local police introduced SB55, which would require ignition interlock devices for repeat DUI offenders. Hill said more needs to be done to deter the chronic offenders.

According to Captain Eric Wollman with the Burlingame Police Department, the IID device would be installed inside the car and act as a breathalyzer for repeat offenders. The engine will not start if it detects a blood alcohol level that exceeds the legal limit.

"If repeat offenders do not complete the ignition interlock program then they will never get their license back," Hill said.

Under Hill's proposal, a person convicted of a second DUI offense would have to install an IID for one year and comply with calibrations every other month before full driving privileges are restored.

Bay Area State Senator Proposes Ignition Interlock Devices For Repeat DUI Offenders

The cost would be paid by the offender with allowances for low-income individuals. 24 other states already require IID's for repeat DUI offenders.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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