newjerseynewsroom.com

More than six in 10 want a law that requires first-time DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles, AAA Mid-Atlantic's most recent Web poll has found.

Ignition interlock devices measure drivers' blood alcohol content before allowing vehicles with the device to start. Those vehicles will not start if the driver's BAC is over a set limit. In New Jersey, that limit is .05% BAC.

AAA asked visitors to its Cars & Driving blog the following question:

Should ignition interlock be required for first-time DUI offenders?

The poll was posted for several weeks in July, and 390 total votes were cast. AAA recorded the following votes:

• 238, or 61%, voted yes
• 59, or 15%, voted no
• 93, or 24%, voted only for subsequent offenses

Ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders in New Jersey are not required for any DUI offense, but left to the judges' discretion - even for a first offense.

According to AAA and Governor's Highway Safety Association data, 42 states — including New Jersey — have laws on the books that allow judges to require ignition interlock for repeat DUI offenders. The three states with no interlock laws are Vermont, South Dakota and Alabama. Nine states have mandatory interlock laws for all offenses.

What follows are sentences judges may impose on DUI offenders under New Jersey law, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission:

• First DUI offense: Installation of interlock device for six months to one year
• Second DUI offense: Installation of interlock device for one to three years or a two year suspension of registration privileges
• Third DUI offense: Installation of interlock device for one to three years as a condition of restoring your driving privileges or a 10 year suspension of registration privileges

— ANDY LAGOMARSINO, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM