Legislation intended to encourage convicted drunken drivers to use a breath alcohol ignition interlock device when operating a motor vehicle was approved by the Iowa Senate Tuesday on a 28-20 vote. The devices prevent an engine from starting if the driver has consumed a certain amount of alcohol.
Senate File 2299, which is supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, is intended to help Iowa reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths, said Sen. Chris Brase, D-Muscatine, the bill’s floor manager. He said people who voluntarily agree to plead guilty and to use an ignition interlock could pay a reduced fine. The measure now goes to the House, where it faces an uncertain future.