W. Tracy Codd has represented persons accused of criminal offenses, including DUI, for over 21 years.  Mr. Codd practices law in Burien, Washington.  If you have questions about the new law call Tracy at (206) 248-6152.

W. Tracy Codd
Attorney at Law
15401 1st Avenue South
Suite A
Burien, WA. 98148

Commencing on January 1, 2009, a person suspected of drunken driving will have a chance to quickly regain their driving privileges under a new state law aimed at reducing the number of people who drive with a suspended license.

Under the new law, motorists arrested for drunken driving can apply for a special driver’s license that will give them full driving privileges as long as they have an ignition-interlock device installed in their car.

Under the new law, offenders will now be allowed back on the road once they obtain a special license and their vehicles are equipped with the interlock device.

An ignition-interlock device is connected to a vehicle’s ignition system. The device requires the driver to blow into the device before starting the car. If alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath, the car will not start.

People who don’t apply for the new license after their arrest still will be required to do so if they are later convicted of drunken driving and their licenses are suspended or revoked by the Department of Licensing.

The length of time that an interlock device must stay in an offender’s car varies from one year for first-time offenders to 10 years for anyone convicted of three or more DUIs.

To obtain the new license, motorists will have to pay a $100 fee for a driver’s license, $20 per month to an indigency fund set up for people who can’t afford to pay for an interlock device, and a $75 monthly fee to a company that maintains the devices, authorities said. The law also requires that applicants for the license provide proof they have insurance.

The new law will reduce the number of people driving with suspended licenses, as well as the number of drunken drivers on the roads. From my standpoint, it is an important, progressive step by the Department of Licensing to undo some of the more draconian results reached under the old law. Further, in this time of economic uncertainty, the new law allows offenders to drive to and from work as long as their car is equipped with an ignition interlock device. Especially important to workers who drive as part of their work assignment, the new law does not require an employer work vehicle to be equipped with an Ignition Interlock Device in most circumstances.

A full text of the new legislation can be found in RCW 42.20.385, or on the internet at www.apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW.