BAIID Allows First DUI Offenders the Choice to Remain Behind the Wheel

A law enacted January 1, 2009 allows first DUIBAIID law for first-time offenders but it is the largest
offenders in the state of Illinois the choice to install astate to mandate the law.
BAIID, Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device, whileIn a press release from the Governor's office earlier
retaining their driver's license with a Monitoring Devicethis year, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White stated:
Driving Permit (MDDP) instead of suspension."...this is a new and innovative approach to deal with a
The BAIID device measures sobriety. It looks like a cellvery serious traffic safety issue. There are too many
phone and is wired to the ignition. Drivers must blowpeople killed and injured each year by drunk drivers.
into a plastic tube to start the ignition every time theyThis law uses technology to target DUI offenders in an
get behind the wheel of their car and must periodicallyeffort to make our roads safer, while posing no
blow into the tube while driving to ensure that a soberinconvenience to the vast majority of Illinoisans who
person did not start the car on their behalf. If a driverare safe and responsible drivers. Most importantly, this
blows a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or higher,law will save lives."
the car does not start.Chicago attorney Harold Wallin mused that the BAIID
The device remains in place for as long as the driver'sdevice allows first-time DUI offenders the option of
license would be suspended-six months for driversresuming a normal life but stated that the device is
who submit to a Breathalyzer and fail and 12 months"expensive and embarrassing for people. It's humiliating
for drivers who refuse the test.to have that device in their car." The device costs
Once a first DUI offender is convicted, the device is$100 dollars to install and $110 dollars a month to rent
mandatory. Illinois is one of six states to mandate afor the Illinois Secretary of State to monitor.