Florida’s new ignition interlock requirement makes our DUI laws even tougher. As reported in many local news outlets, the new interlock law has the following rules.
If you are convicted of a first offense DUI charge, and you record a .15% BAC on a breath test machine (almost twice the legal limit in Florida of .08%), you are guilty of an Enhanced DUI. (Previous, the level for an enhanced DUI 1st offense was .20 BAC or greater)
A first offense Enhanced DUI conviction results in a required Ignition Interlock Device for 6 Months.
Other additions in the new DUI interlock law are
- Two year interlock requirement for anyone who is a “habitual” DUI offender
- A 3rd Offense DUI or subsequent will require A DUI treatment course
Florida Interlock Manufacturer Company Seeks Tax Breaks?
This is the kind of news that makes you wonder if the state government is colluding with private industry. Now that the the new interlock law will be adding perhaps thousands of new customers, the Florida based ignition interlock company Guardian Ignition Interlock is looking for tax breaks from Brevard County to expand.
Isn’t the new business the Florida legislature is mandating for them enough? Do they have to pick our pockets again?
At present, Florida has determined that only two vendors are to supply Ignition Interlock Devices…one for the northern half of the state and the other for the southern half. Interlock Group of Florida (representing LifeSaver Interlock Inc.) represents the northern part of the state and Interlock Group of Florida (representing Alcohol Countermeasures) represents the southern half of the state. This manufacturer’s product is not represented, but may only be manufactured in Florida. They are unable to sell or distribute their products in Florida at this time so Florida’s new law provides no financial advantage to them at this time.
Thanks for the authoritative feedback, and the correction, Don!