Kentucky Finalizing Details of New DUI Law

Kentucky Transportation officials say the state is getting closer to implementing a new DUI law that will require some drunken drivers to get ignition interlock devices on their vehicles.

The General Assembly voted in March to pass the law, which requires ignition interlock licenses as part of sentencing for repeat offenders or for first-time offenders who have an aggravating circumstance such as having a child in the car. Court officials think the devices will help cut down on the number of repeat drunken driving arrests.

Kentucky will join 24 other states that have passed laws to use ignition interlock devices. Judges will have discretion over who gets the device and how it is used. Brad Fralick, director of government relations for Intoxalock, an Iowa-based manufacturer of ignition interlock devices, said states that have implemented the system have seen repeat DUIs drop by an average of 65 percent. He said the number of fatal crashes is also down between 15 and 44 percent.