Two such provisions required the implementation of the programs which would increase penalties for DWI violations and require the passage of a prohibition of open containers in motor vehicles. TEA-21 requires portions of transportation funding for roads to be transferred to safety programs annually until such legislation is enacted and enforced. The following bills were introduced in response to the TEA-21 requirements. Two bills were introduced which provide relative to penalties for DWI violations. The legislation would further require a person convicted of 3rd offense DWI to participate in both a substance abuse program and a driver improvement program.
Present law offers an option of either.
The proposed legislation would require all substance abuse programs to assess the offender's degree of alcohol abuse and would require all vehicles driven by a 2nd or subsequent DWI offender to be equipped with an ignition interlock device for a period of not less than six months and during the entire period of license suspension . Proposed legislation requires the first twelve months of the suspension to be served without benefit of hardship or restricted license. After twelve months the offender could be issued a restricted license upon proof of interlock device installation. However, the proposed legislation would require the interlock device to remain on the motor vehicle for not less than six months. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.