Pennsylvania House Passed Legislation To Reform Ignition Interlock Program

The Pennsylvania House passed legislation Sunday, July 12, that would streamline and reform administrative procedures for the ignition interlock program.

An ignition interlock system is a breathalyzer used for certain DUI offenses, which is installed in a vehicle to prevent it from starting or running if the driver’s alcohol level exceeds certain limits.

Chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, State Rep. Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia), said lengthy processing times and administrative delays force many drivers to wait months for approval of an ignition interlock license.

This means ignition interlock devices often remained installed well beyond the court-ordered period, costing drivers hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees and limiting employment opportunities, according to Neilson.

The bill makes the following adjustments to the program:

A single Ignition Interlock Driver’s License will be created, replacing the current process that required drivers to obtain two different interlock licenses.

Adds additional opportunities for applications to be submitted rather than just certified mail, including online or at select driver’s license centers.

Requires PennDOT to issue the camera card or interlock license within 14 days of receiving the application and all other requirements. It currently can take months to an interlock license to be issued.

Requires PennDOT to credit an individual toward their interlock requirement for any amount of time that the person holds a valid interlock license. People can often lose out on credit for various reason under the current system.

Requires PennDOT to establish an online portal within about three years to provide multiple customer service options online related to ignition interlock.

Allows all offenders to immediately be eligible for the Ignition Interlock Driver’s License. Currently, certain offenders must wait several months before they are eligible, which can cause additional delays.

Requires ignition interlock vendors to follow new procedures to verify a person’s eligibility before installing the device or face penalties.

“This was a bipartisan effort that took almost four years to negotiate,” said Neilson. “I want to thank Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, Sen. Judy War, Sen. Marty Flynn, Secretary Mike Carroll and all of the staff who worked to get this to the finish line.”

H.B. 1862 now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.