Grading Kansas
K.S.A. 8-1015 mandates that a person with a second, third or fourth alcohol test failure and/or, alcohol or drug-related conviction, be restricted to driving only a vehicle equipped with a state certified ignition interlock device. Reading that feels kind of like reading the small print on the commercials, but what it really is saying is that after a second, third or fourth DUI in Kansas the state will suspend your license for a year and then send you a letter. This letter tells you that you are required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle for the period of one year, but how well are these restrictions enforced by the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles? Well if this was an exam they would need to schedule a retake. Since this law took effect the compliance rates have continued to drop year after year. In 2003 which was the first full year for the law compliance came in at 32.3%, dropping to 29.3% in 2004, and up till September of this year it was at a disturbing 23.6%. Although the punishment is high for offenders that are caught driving without an ignition interlock on their vehicle, many of these multiple DUI offenders drive through this period with no driver’s license and no insurance, making them a great risk to our streets. During the 2006 legislative session Smart Start of Kansas along with the Kansas Ignition Interlock Association will run legislation to increase compliance with this program.
Ignition interlock laws have been passed to help deter drinking and driving in an effort to make our streets and highways safer, protect our families and save innocent lives. Laws such as these have been put in place to deal with these issues, now we need legislation that promotes enforcement of such laws. Help us to keep Kansas roads safe and tell your state representative that you want to see Kansas Ignition Interlock laws enforced.