Ill. law calls for in-car breath tests for first DUI offense

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A new Illinois law requires first-time drunken-driving offenders to install breath test devices in their vehicles and pass the test every time they try to start their engines.

If the driver's breath exceeds the alcohol limit, the apparatus ensures the car won't start.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed the legislation Friday, making Illinois the fourth state to mandate the gadget. The other states that require it are New Mexico, Arizona and Louisiana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

When the law goes into effect in 2009, it will effect about 30,000 offenders in Illinois who have had their licenses suspended on DUI arrests, according to the secretary of state's office. The alcohol ignition interlock devices must be rented and cost about $150 to install; there are also monthly fees.

"We will not tolerate drunk drivers on our streets," Blagojevich said in a statement. "This law ... will help make sure impaired drivers can't get back on the road. But if they do, they'll face tough penalties."

If offenders attempt to drive someone else's vehicle to avoid the breath tests required in their own cars, they could face jail time.

About 3,000 people in Illinois currently have the devices in their vehicles. Most are second-time drunken-driving offenders.