New DUI Law Goes Into Effect January 1

A new law goes into effect on January 1 that eases Arizona’s tough DUI law for first time offenders.

Currently, DUI offenders must use a breathalyzer/ignition interlock device to start their cars for a full year. The new law cuts the first time penalty to six months. This does not apply to extreme DUI offenders or those who get into accidents or other trouble because of their drunk driving.

Holiday DUI Arrests Drop 25% in Three Years

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety says drunk driving arrests during holidays have dropped more than 25% in the past three years.

Around 2,300 people were arrested for driving drunk in Arizona between November 24 and this Wednesday. There were more than 3,100 arrests by holiday DUI task force officers during the same period in 2009.

The total number of traffic stops conducted by task force officers dropped by 26%.

Bill Would Reduce Use of Interlock Device for First-Time DUI Offenders

The Arizona Senate is considering a bill to reduce the amount of time that a first time DUI offender will have to have an ignition interlock device.

An ignition interlock device is a breath analyzer that is wired to a car’s ignition. The driver has to blow into the device before the car can be started. If it shows bood-alcohol content above .08, the car won’t start.

Since 2007, a person convicted of DUI has had to have an interlock device for a minimum of one year. A bill sponsored by Sen. Linda Gray would drop that to six months for first time offenders who complete an alcohol or drug education or treatment program.

AZFamily.com reports that Mothers Against Driving Drunk opposes the bill. They say six months is not enough time for offenders to change their behavior.