Ignition Interlock Bill Is Reintroduced

“Annie’s Law” a bill that would require ignition interlocks for all first-time OVI (drunk driving) offenders is being reintroduced in the Ohio House. State Rep. Gary Scherer’s new bill focuses on improving monitoring of ignition interlock devices and provides incentives for first-time offenders choosing to use an interlock device. There also are provisions to require notification when a device registers a failed attempt and possibly extending the use of the device for a failed attempt.

The expensive ignition interlock system requires a person to exhale into it to test the breath for alcohol content. If the content is above the device’s programmed limit, it prevents the vehicle from being started. About a year ago, a proposed law to require an ignition interlock for first-time OVI offenders was pulled before it even got out of committee.