Maryland law treats drunk driving and the dangers it presents to the public very seriously. A key drunk driving statute, the Drunk Driving Reduction Act of 2016, is widely known as “Noah’s Law.” It’s named for a young Montgomery County police officer who died after being struck by a drunk driver at a sobriety checkpoint.
The law requires anyone convicted of DUI to get an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle before they’re allowed to drive again (with a restricted driver’s license). An IID requires a driver to blow into it to demonstrate that they aren’t under the influence for their vehicle to start and then when prompted while they’re driving.
There’s no question that IIDs save lives – those of the drivers who use them and those of others’ on the road. However, there’s been a loophole in the law that advocates and some lawmakers felt needed to be closed.
Those given probation before judgment for DUI now must get an IID to drive
Under the original law, if someone charged with DUI was given probation before judgment (PBJ) by a judge, they weren’t required to have an IID on their vehicle to drive legally. A PBJ, which is not uncommon for a first DUI, allows a person to avoid a conviction if they fulfill the conditions of probation.
Under the revised law, which took effect in October, those with a PBJ are required to get an IID for a minimum of six months to drive legally. The change is estimated to result in about 5,700 more IIDs on vehicles in the state.
It’s important to understand all the potential ramifications a DUI conviction or even a PBJ could have on your life before determining how you’ll deal with the charge. Further, if you have the option of getting an IID, it’s crucial to understand how they work and be confident that you can meet the requirements, like having it regularly calibrated. Getting experienced legal guidance is always a good first step.
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