Pennsylvania: Ignition Interlock Systems - HB875
There is a bill currently being considered by the Pennsylvania Legislature that requires your attention.
This bill would mandate the installation of ignition interlock systems in all new vehicles and force old vehicles to be retrofitted with interlock systems as well. An ignition interlock is a system that tests for alcohol on a driver's breath. It requires a vehicle operator to blow into a small handheld alcohol sensor unit that is attached to a vehicle's dashboard. The car cannot be started if the BAC is above a preset level. An excerpt from the bill is below:
HB875: Mandates Ignition Interlock Systems
Section 1. Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a section to read:
§ 4538. Ignition interlock systems.
(a) General rule.--Every motor vehicle manufactured for use in this Commonwealth on and after December 31, 2008, and every secondhand motor vehicle sold in this Commonwealth on and after December 31, 2009, that is capable of having an ignition interlock system installed shall be equipped with a functional ignition interlock system.
(b) Existing motor vehicle.--Every motor vehicle shall be retrofitted to equip the vehicle with an ignition interlock system by December 31, 2009.
(c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "ignition interlock system" has the meaning given that term in section 3801 (relating to definitions).
We need your help. Please take the time to contact your legislators, including the sponsors of this bill, and let them know how you feel. You can find out who they are by clicking here.
Some key points to mention regarding ignition interlock systems can be found below:
- Breathalyzers do not accurately measure blood alcohol content. The margin of error can be up to 50%.
- Ignition interlock systems cannot take context into account. In an emergency situation, drivers may find themselves unable to start their car.
- The installation of ignition interlock systems requires extensive funding that will come from every motorists' wallets while only affecting a small percentage of drivers.
