New Drunk Driving Message "No Interlock No Keys"

New DUI Law to Take Effect Jan. 1 - Bridget Fargen Reports

Nebraska motorists arrested for first- and second-offense drunken driving could have the option to drive to work, school and probation hearings under a law slated to take effect Jan. 1.

Senators passed the law in the 102nd session of the legislature earlier this year.

The goal is to keep everyone on the roads safe and reduce administrative legislative revocation or ALR hearings.

Beginning January 1st, drivers arrested for DUI have two choices.

Beverly Neth the Director of the Nebraska DMV says, "No interlock, no keys, it's that simple."

The law changes the current ALR hearing process.

Neth says, "What this bill does is it removes the stay provision from the statute. So anyone who first chooses ALR is going to be subject to some pretty harsh penalties if they lose their ALR, they won't be allowed ignition interlock and secondly they won't be allowed access to a stay at the district court appeals level."

The new law also gives DUI offenders a new option in lieu of going through the ALR hearing. Within 15 days of the arrest first offenders could apply to the DMV for an ignition interlock permit. Offenders would then need to complete a four step process to get the device installed.

Sen. Mike Flood sponsored the LB 667, which will become law on Jan. 1, 2012. He says, "This allows them to get behind the wheel safely, to get to their job, and get to work and pick up the kids, and I think for too long a lot of folks across the country prided themselves on the 15-year revocations and I think this actually does more for public safety."

Neth adds, "The choice we're giving individuals is keep your keys keep driving, but do it with limited driving privileges and in a fashion so that we the rest of the motoring public, know that you're driving safely."

The ALR hearing is still available, but Neth says the person will have to prove they weren't driving and weren't over the legal limit.

Of course, Governor Dave Heineman says the best solution, "Don't drink and drive it will keep you out of trouble every single day."