Bills create oversight of makers of alcohol ignition devices

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - New legislation would require manufacturers of breath alcohol interlock ignition devices to be certified by the Michigan State Police. More than 8,000 of the devices have been installed in cars in Michigan over three years. "These interlock devices stop people from driving with alcohol in their systems, but right now we do not have enough oversight to ensure that they are being used properly," said Sen. Schuitmaker, R-Lawton. "There is currently no certification process for the manufacturers of these devices and no state specifications for those installing and servicing the units." Manufacturers of the breath alcohol ignition interlock devices would need to get annual certification from the Michigan secretary of state's office, under the legislation. Schuitmaker's bills, introduced last week and assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, also would increase specifications for centers that install and service the units. Installation, maintenance and removal of the devices would only be permitted at licensed auto repair facilities. "This really comes down to an issue of public safety," Schuitmaker said in a statement Friday. "Ensuring the interlock devices are properly installed and not tampered with will save lives and stop these offenders from breaking the law." Some drunken drivers can get a restricted driver's license if they buy the device. The unit kills the ignition signal if a driver's blood alcohol content is above the minimum threshold. Michigan driving laws defines drunkenness as having a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. Rules for the interlock devices vary around the country. The state of Washington requires all those with drunken driving convictions to use the devices in order to continue driving. It became the first state to require their use for first-time offenders in 2004. Published: Tue, Mar 10, 2015