New York Mandates Ignition Interlock Devices in DWI Cases
A key provision of Leandra’s Law takes effect tomorrow-August 15, 2010- which requires anyone sentenced for Driving While Intoxicated on or after tomorrow to be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle they own or operate as a condition of their sentence or probation. In misdemeanor cases the device will be ordered to be installed for period anywhere from six months to three years. In felony cases, the device will be ordered to be installed for five years. The device itself costs up to one hundred dollars to install and up to one hundred dollars per month to maintain. It is estimated that twenty five thousand drivers will be required to install an ignition interlock device annually. There are nine other states that require ignition interlock systems for first time offenders. The new law is set forth in New York Vehicle Traffic Law §1198.