The Illinois Secretary of State reports that 86 percent of drivers arrested for DUI in 2012 were first time offenders. Even for a first offense, a DUI has the potential of carrying serious penalties.

Depending on the facts surrounding the arrest, it can include:

• Court fines and fees;
• Suspension of driving privileges;
• Community service; and
• Imprisonment.

If a driver is arrested for a DUI in Illinois and fails or refuses to submit to a chemical testing, driving privileges are automatically suspended for six months for failing chemical testing and 12 months for refusal to submit. In both instances, if it is a first time offense, drivers may be eligible for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have joined forces to push for the requirement of first time drunk driving offenders to use ignition interlocks that would stop the offenders from being able to start the vehicle if they had been drinking. Both organizations are urging all states to adopt that requirement.

Currently, twenty states and four counties in California have adopted the requirement of ignition interlocks for drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence. In Illinois, an ignition interlock is only required for drivers who have requested permission for a restricted license, while still under suspension. It is also required for individuals who have multiple DUI convictions.

When an ignition interlock has been installed in a car, a driver has to blow into the device in order to give a breath sample. If the device reads a blood alcohol content of .05 or higher, the vehicle will not start. If the reading is negative for alcohol, the vehicle will start up. While the vehicle is in operation, the driver is required to provide random readings to ensure the driver’s blood alcohol level is still negative.