BILL WOULD REQUIRE IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES FOR THOSE WHO REFUSE
THE BREATHALYZER
Under a measure filed by a southwest Florida lawmaker who is also an attorney, motorists who refuse a breathalyzer test would be forced to install
an ignition interlock device on their vehicles.
This new requirement would be in addition to Florida's existing implied
consent law. Under Florida's implied consent law, if a person refuses to take a breathalyzer test, he or she is subject to a mandatory one-year drivers license suspension.
HB 197 was filed by Rep. Traci Koster, R-Tampa, on January 12th. The measure has yet to receive committee references and there is no companion.
The measure would require any motorist who refuses to submit to a breath test to place an ignition interlock device on any vehicle or vehicles "that are individually or jointly leased or owned and routinely operated" by the individual, at their
expense.
First-time refusers would be required to install the device for one year, while a second refusal would trigger an 18-month installation of the interlock
device.
A one-year license suspension for motorists who refuse to submit to a urinalysis and an 18-month suspension for a second refusal would also be
required in addition to the new interlock requirement.
