Wyoming Legislature Strengthens Drunk Driving Prevention with Senate Bill 0007
The Wyoming legislature passed Senate Bill 0007 and was signed by Governor Gordon on February 19, 2019. This law requires that all convicted DUI repeat offenders and first offenders with high blood alcohol content (BAC) levels will need to complete an ignition interlock device (IID) program in order to regain driving abilities. This law will go into effect on July 1, 2019.
These updates will help Wyoming keep roads safe and cut down on repeat drunk driving offenses. This requirement is a change from a prior version of the law that let offenders “sit out” the IID requirement will a full license suspension for a period of time as indicated by the court.
The update to this law is an essential factor in strengthening Wyoming’s road safety because 3 in 4 people will continue to drive on a suspended even though it is illegal. Additionally, those who choose to drive while prohibited from doing so are also likely to keep driving while impaired by alcohol.
Download infographic IIDs Save Lives here.
Additionally, this legislation also amended existing laws to give convicted DUI offenders credit for the time an IID has been installed on their vehicle prior to the formal license suspension for those who were in a county that had participating in the existing 24/7 pilot program.
Mandating the use of ignition interlock devices (also known as car breathalyzers) allows offenders to continue daily tasks such as driving to work, transporting children or other dependent persons, or everyday tasks like trips to the grocery store. An ignition interlock device will not allow a person to start their vehicle or continue driving if alcohol is detected in their breath prior to starting the vehicle or at any time while operating the car during a retest.
The use of the IID ensures that offenders demonstrate sobriety in order to operate their vehicle. Further, the device records information gathered during all breath tests and generates reports that are sent to state officials.
Vehicle breathalyzer devices have demonstrated success in reducing repeat drunk driving offenses. States that have required all convicted drivers to install the devices have decreased all in-state DUI death rates of over 30% according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2011). Over 90% of IID users have also reported that the IIDs have been effective in changing their drinking habits (American Probation and Parole Association, 2007).
Intoxalock is the largest ignition interlock service center provider in Wyoming. Our company has over 13 years of experience in helping people get back on the road in Wyoming, and over 30 years of ignition interlock device expertise nationwide. If you have questions about Wyoming ignition interlock device laws, call us today at 833-623-0200 to talk with a state specialist and to schedule an installation location near you.
