In a group letter to the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee, Advocates has urged passage of Senate Bill 580. This bill will expand Michiganders’ access to lifesaving ignition interlock technology and improve the safety of Michigan’s roads.
Interlocks are a valuable tool in the fight against drunk driving, and their effectiveness is well established.
Under SB 580, access to the interlock device will be increased. Currently, if an interlock is to be used through a treatment court, there is a 45-day hard license suspension where no driving can occur before an interlock can be used to drive on a restricted license. This legislation would allow this 45-day suspension to be waived at the discretion of a judge after interlock installation.
This 45-day hard suspension is inimical to the aim of increasing public safety. License suspensions are not an effective deterrent, as up to 75% of drivers continue to drive on a suspended license, per the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. This is especially problematic for those who cannot afford rideshare programs, do not have the financial means to hire a driver, or live in an area without robust public transit. License suspension alone is also risky, and provides no safeguard against drunk driving if a person ignores the suspension and drives.
Read the full letter here.