Ignition Interlock Law Reforms Needed
Green Bay, Wis. - A bill was debated in Madison yesterday aimed at making it more difficult for those convicted of OWI to become repeat offenders. Its a law aimed at closing a loophole with ignition interlock devices and creating stronger penalties.
This is an ignition interlock device that requires those convicted of various OWI charges to breathe into, to prove they haven't been drinking, before they can start their car.
"If alcohol is detected upon the start up test the unit will prevent the vehicle from starting at all," said Michelle Adamski of Wisconsin Ignition Interlock.
Under current law there is a large loophole, that state lawmakers like Rep. André Jacque (R-De Pere) want to close.
"Individuals are able to switch ownership of the vehicles out of their names," said Rep. Jacque.
Rep. Jacque says the transfer of vehicle ownership has been an issue, as well as offenders just driving another person's car. If caught doing this they currently face no criminal penalty.
"Unfortunately when people get around that, it's only a traffic violation," said Jacque.