• 08
  • September
    2010

They don't require ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders in Pennsylvania yet, but don't expect state legislators to hold that line. Since premiering in 2009 with 5,155 devices installed across the state, the Pennsylvania DUI Association has been working up a brisk trade in the interlock device sector.

According to a quality assurance technician, who recently presented before a group of officers from Northern Berks Regional Police Department, the PA DUI Association expects the number of ignition interlock devices employed across the state to increase by 6,000 before the end of 2010.

It's unlikely that things will stop there. Rather, the pace is expected to increase year-after-year, and for years to come. As for those first-time DUI convictions, Steven Henshaw reports that the same technician who spoke with officers expects to see them included soon.

Ignition interlock devices require drivers to blow into them before allowing the car to start. If you fail to record a clean reading two times in a row, you'll be locked out for 30 minutes. Three strikes and you'll be forced to take your vehicle to a service center and have the device reset.

This will likely set you back by about $75.

According to Henshaw, there were close to 50,000 failed attempts to pass the ignition interlock test last year.

With even more devices being installed and the potential for installation following first-time offenses looking pretty good, ignition interlock devices seem poised to become a fairly large financial boon to the state.

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