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View Full Version : Explain the TX DUI-interlock law

dalej42
02-03-2005, 01:01 PM
In Texas, if someone is arrested for a second or greater DUI infraction they will lose their license (http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control/alr.htm) for either one year for a failed breath test or two years if they refuse the breath test.

However, to be released from jail on bond, the person must install (http://www.dfwdwi.com/penalties.asp) an alcohol interlock on their car. The person won't have a driver's license for at least a year, so why do they need to pay for one of these devices? This is NOT a requirement for an occupational licese, but simply to be released from jail.

I'm going to guess the reason is, "The person is going to drive illegally anyway, so make sure he/she is sober while they're doing it."

Anyone have any insight into this law?
Badge
02-03-2005, 02:13 PM
I can't answer specifically for Texas, but in Washington state the requirement to have the interlock device begins after the period of license suspension. Since that's the only way it makes any sense, I assume Texas is the same.
mhendo
02-03-2005, 02:58 PM
I'm going to guess the reason is, "The person is going to drive illegally anyway, so make sure he/she is sober while they're doing it." I reckon you've probably hit the nail on the head there.

Every article i've ever read on the subject says that a large percentage of people with suspended drivers licenses continue to drive, knowing that the risk of being caught is rather low.

For example, this article (http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/press/2000/august/000831d1.html) says that 75,000 people were arrested for driving on a suspended license in 1998 (no clear if the figure is for the US, or for Illinois alone). I remember we had a thread on this issue a while back, and someone else linked to a study showing that 70-80% of drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive.
dalej42
02-03-2005, 05:16 PM
I can't answer specifically for Texas, but in Washington state the requirement to have the interlock device begins after the period of license suspension. Since that's the only way it makes any sense, I assume Texas is the same.

In Texas, the interlock must be installed within 30 days of the arrest. No conviction has happened. In fact, it had to be installed even before the admininstrative license hearing.

It is an inconvenience for me as I'm the sometimes driver for my friend who has this annoying thing on his car.