Restrictions could soon become tighter for people twice convicted of a DUI violation.
Wednesday, lawmakers on the Transportation Interim Committee unanimously recommended a bill that would require two-time DUI offenders to use an "ignition interlock system" when driving.
When placed inside a car, an ignition interlock system can measure a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and prevent the car from starting if the driver's BAC is above a set limit. The bill, proposed by Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Cottonwood Heights, would create a class of drivers called "interlock-restricted drivers" who are required to use the device.
"It's expensive and it's a bother, but one ought not be convicted of a DUI twice," said Paul Boyden, president of the Utah Prosecutors Association.
Under the bill, which is currently draft legislation, a person who has a second DUI conviction within 10 years would be required to use an interlock device for the next three years, according to Boyden. An ignition interlock device is not paid for by the state, according to Walker — the offender must pay for it.
Cost can be about $80 a month.
Rep. John Dougall, R-American Fork, asked why all people convicted of a DUI wouldn't be required to use the device. "I think one ought not be convicted of a DUI once," he said.
Boyden said that 75 to 80 percent of people convicted of a DUI will not become repeat offenders. "Most people are not dumb enough to do it again," he said. "It would be a massive effort and probably a lot would be wasted because we'd be going after people who probably do not need it."
Walker last year sponsored a bill that created a class of drivers called "alcohol-restricted drivers." The law passed, and among other things, said that two-time DUI offenders cannot drive with any alcohol in their system.
In other news from the transportation committee, lawmakers reviewed a bill that would allow Utah to enter into a partnership with private companies to build toll roads. The bill is being sponsored by Sen. Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse.
While lawmakers agreed that the bill needed more work, Walker and others expressed approval of the proposed legislation. The state is now studying whether to make the Mountain View Corridor, a proposed freeway for west Salt Lake County and northern Utah County, a toll road.
If the state partners with a public agency to build and toll Mountain View, the road could be built within years, not decades, according to Killpack. The state currently has no funding to build Mountain View.
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com