New Iowa Law Aims to Save Lives
On July 1, Iowa will become the 30th state to require the installation of an ignition interlock device, or car breathalyzer, for all drunk driving offenders. Previously, Iowa required the installation of an ignition interlock device following a repeat OWI or after a first offense with a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of .10 or above.
Perhaps an even bigger change to Iowa’s ignition interlock law is the change to the Temporary Restricted License (TRL). Once a drunk driving offender completes their IID installation, they will receive a TRL in place of their full license.
Previously, a TRL restricted the person with it to only drive to and from work. With the new law, people will ultimately be allowed to drive as needed.
“I see one of the biggest changes brought about by the new legislation is that is no longer restricts people to only driving to and from work. Now, an individual who installs an IID and obtains a TRL can essentially drive for any reason and to any location, such as daycare, the bank, the grocery store – whatever life requires,” said Matt Lindholm, Iowa OWI attorney.
Intoxalock honors lives lost to drunk driving:
To honor this new law, on June 27th, 2018, the Intoxalock Team donated and planted 5 trees to Terra Park in Johnston, Iowa. Terra Park is only minutes away from Intoxalock’s home office in Des Moines, Iowa. “I’m proud to give back to the community that makes up most of our amazing workforce and family here at Intoxlaock,” Scott Kepner, Manager of Sales said when asked about the planting ceremony.
The flowering crab trees and bur oaks will stand to commemorate Iowan lives that were lost to drunk driving but also to celebrate our hopeful future. “It only seems right to plant life in memory of those who have lost theirs” Anthony Leon, Senior Financial Analyst said.
What is an ignition interlock device?
An ignition interlock device is a handheld car breathalyzer that attaches to a vehicle’s ignition system. The device requires the driver to blow into the mouthpiece prior to being able to start their car. Only when the breath sample is alcohol free will the vehicle start.
“Ignition interlock devices are proven to be effective not only at preventing drunk driving occurrences while installed, but also once they are removed. They are a behavior modification tool, not a punishment, and we’re happy to see Iowa making roads safer,” Brad Fralick, Intoxalock Director of Government Relations said.
Since their introduction to the market, IIDs have continued to cut down on the number of alcohol related traffic fatalities. In fact, research shows that ignition interlock installations have contributed to a 67% reduction of repeat drunk driving. (Center for Disease Control)
Intoxalock – an leading ignition interlock provider:
With more than 80 locations across Iowa, Intoxalock is the largest ignition interlock device provider in the state. Headquartered in Urbandale, IA, Intoxalock is a state-approved car breathalyzer provider in 43 states and leads the market in customer satisfaction, convenience and ease of use.
Intoxalock has state ignition interlock experts that can help explain details of the new law and provide assistance with navigating the OWI process, from start to finish.
Call 833-623-0200 today to get started on state-required paperwork and get back on the road as quickly as possible.
