On Jan. 1, California joined the majority of states that have laws requiring drivers with drunken-driving convictions to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles to limit road deaths. The devices are breathalyzers mounted on the steering wheel of a vehicle that prevent it from starting if the driver’s blood-alcohol reading is above a predetermined level.
In California, the breathalyzers in cars will be mandatory only for repeat offenders. Five other states — Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Montana and Ohio — have similar laws. Thirty-two states and D.C. require the devices even for first-time offenders.
For more, read Ana B. Ibarra’s coverage.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.Some elements may be removed from this article due to republishing restrictions. If you have questions about available photos or other content, please contact khnweb@kff.org.