Wisconsin lawmakers, bar owners weigh in on Evers' proposed change to DUI penalty

(WLUK) -- Drunk driving offenders could soon face harsher penalties on their first offense. Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday he wants to make ignition interlock devices mandatory for anyone charged with drunken driving.

Ignition interlock devices are found in vehicles belonging to repeat DUI offenders and first time offenders who blow a .15 or higher. "Forcing people who are found guilty of driving under the influence to have an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, it would change behavior," Wisconsin State Senator Chris Larson said. "You literally cannot start the vehicle and keep it running if you are not sober."

Larson from Milwaukee has advocated for a change for over a decade. He introduced an unsuccessful bill in 2021, but has continued working to make progress. "Having lost a friend to drunk driving -- a story that's all too familiar -- to know that we can prevent those tragedies moving forward so long as this stays in the budget -- that's very exciting," Larson said.

Larson said the problem stems from the popularity of drinking in the state, and the penalties surrounding it. "The people who offend usually don't have many if any consequences at all," Larson said. "That has made the culture of drinking in Wisconsin, unfortunately, one that is also drinking and driving."

https://fox11online.com/news/local/wisconsin-lawmakers-bar-owners-react-proposed-change-dui-penalty-drinking-drunk-driving-ignition-interlock-device