New DUI Legislation In The Works For PA

A Chester County lawmaker is introducing legislation that would require first-time DUI offenders to have an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.

State Representative Tom Houghton calls the legislation "a no-brainer." He told "Good Day" that "Pennsylvania doesn't mess around." Drinking and driving "is a serious crime" and he believes people will be deterred from having that second beer or drinking at all if the idea is implemented.

In 2004 the state created three-tiers under the DUI statute. Houghton wants the law updated to include harsher penalties for first time offenders. The system would also have a "rolling check" which would make the driver periodically blow into the system in order to keep the vehicle on.

Houghton hopes to get the legislation to the house for a vote within the next few months.

The measure would require certain first-time DUI offenders to have their vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device and increase the required time period for ignition interlock to third and later offenders. The bill has garnered bipartisan support. Houghton is joined by Reps. Paul Clymer, R-Bucks, and Seth Grove, R-York, who have been instrumental in drafting this legislation.