Like most states, Florida does not require an ignition interlock for first time DUI offenders. However, a proposed federal law would require first time offenders to have the device installed.
Florida’s Current Ignition Interlock Requirement
People that are convicted of a DUI in Florida lose their license. When the offender is eligible to have their license reinstated, they may be required to install an ignition interlock in their vehicle.
Ignition interlock requirement for DUI offenders in Florida:
- First DUI Conviction—device not required unless court ordered
- First Conviction if 0.20 or minor in car—device installed for a maximum of six months
- Second Conviction—device installed for at least one year
- Second Conviction if 0.20 or minor in car—device installed for at least two years
- Third Conviction—device installed for at least two years
According to WTSP, Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY), “has proposed stricter legislation for first-time DUI offenders.” All states, including Florida, would have to comply with the new rule.
Jan Withers, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) agrees with this new proposal. She tells WTSP, “What we know is that the first time a person gets caught, it’s not their first time they’ve driven drunk.”
Hundreds of people are killed in drunken driving crashes in Florida every year. Drinkinganddriving.org has listed the yearly rates of DUI arrests in Florida counties:
- In Citrus—18 of 10,000 drivers arrested
- In Hernando—13 of 10,000 drivers arrested
- In Pasco—46 of 10,000 drivers arrested
- In Polk—20 of 10,000 drivers arrested
- In Hillsborough—37 of 10,000 drivers arrested
- In Pinellas—40 of 10,000 drivers arrested
- In Manatee—23 of 10,000 drivers arrested
- In Sarasota—71 of 10,000 drivers arrested
- In Hardee—83 of 10,000 drivers arrested
Did You Know? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 70 percent of fatal alcohol-related crashes are caused by drivers with a BAC greater than .15 percent.