Should Idaho require ignition interlock device for DUI offenders?
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BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) - Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo might soon have an ignition interlock device in his vehicle after his recent DUI arrest in Virginia.
Only 17 states, including Virginia, require first time DUI offenders to have the device installed in their car. But Idaho is one of 33 states which only requires the device for repeat offenders.
Anytime there's a violation, it's recorded in the ignition interlock, which is then reported back to a probation officer.
When a DUI offender gets in the vehicle, you have to blow and hum into a device until a green light turns on, which then allows you to start the vehicle. If you fail, your vehicle won't start and you have to get to the company that installed the device.
The system isn't cheap.
It's about $72 a month with an installation fee of about $60. But the ignition interlock system has been around for about 20 years and experts say it's helping save lives.
Jennifer Spellman of Dishion Enterprises says clients who purchase the device often tell her how much they never want to use it again.
There are about 600 working ignition interlock device in the state of Idaho.
Since there are no jobs to speak of in this state, this is just another ploy for the Idaho State Government to get money out of us. A first DUI will cost you plenty. Is $2000 or more just not enough? Where is the proof that this device is helping save lives? Give someone a good paying job and DUI arrests will drop.