Oklahoma Law To Require DUI Offenders Install Ignition Interlock

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed SB 643 into law, amending the current DUI law in Oklahoma.

The law will require all first-time drunken driving offenders to install an ignition interlock on their vehicle as a condition of driving after an intoxicated driving offense. Oklahoma is the 29th state to pass the all-offender ignition interlock law.

SB 643, authored by Senator Kim David, requires the use of interlocks for at least six months to regain driving privileges. The legislation also creates the Impaired Driver Accountability Program (IDAP) to help first-time offenders get their lives back on track while using an ignition interlock to ensure public safety. Upon successful completion of the program, the offender can regain full driving privileges.

Oklahoma now joins Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Missouri and other surrounding states in providing its residents with the best countermeasure to stop the scourge of repeat drunk driving, said Colleen Sheehey-Church, National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Previously, Oklahoma required ignition interlocks for first offenders with a .15 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and repeated offenders. The new law expands that requirement to all offenders with a .08 BAC and above.

The new law takes effect Nov. 1.