New DUI Law Takes Effect

The Illinois DUI law has been drastically changed starting yesterday. Gone is the Judicial Driving Permit. The Judicial Driving Permit has been replaced by the Monitoring Device Driving Permit. The new law will require that anyone who wishes to drive during a period of suspension to install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in their vehicle. The device costs about $150 for installation and about $100 a month. The driver must blow in the device before starting. If the device detects a blood alcohol content of 0.25 it will not allow the car the start. In addition, the device will require that the driver periodically blow into the device while they are driving. The device will be monitored by the Illinois Secretary of State. In addition, the period of suspension for first time DUI offenders will be increased from 3 months to 6 months as well as extending the period of suspension for drivers who refuse to blow to 12 months.

With this new BAIID device, Illinois joins Arizona, New Mexico and Louisiana as the only states mandating the use of this device. But commentators believe that Illinois has the toughest provisions because the Illinois law places the responsibility for the installation and monitoring of this device with the Illinois Secretary of State. This law will apply to anyone who wants to drive during a period of suspension.

For more information about the Chicago criminal defense lawyers at Legal Defenders, P.C., visit us at www.thelegaldefenders.com or call us anytime at 1-800-228-7295.