Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) have been required for all
convicted DUI offenders in Connecticut since 2011, even for first offenders.
However, first-time offenders who chose to complete a first-offender diversion
program are not mentioned in the laws regarding first-time DUI offenders.
Connecticut SB 465 makes it clear that IIDs are still required for first-time
offenders who choose to enter diversion programs.
In Florida, not all counties have diversion programs for
first offenders. Only Miami, West Palm Beach, The Florida Keys, Gainesville and
Orlando have such programs. Most, if not all of them, require an ignition
interlock device for a specified periods as a condition of the program, though
without uniformity between jurisdictions. Oddly enough, only first offenders
who are actually convicted of DUI (whether by plea or trial) are required to
have an IID ONLY if their BrAC was over a .149 or they had a minor in the car
at the time of the arrest.
Interestingly, MADD pushed long and hard for the Connecticut
Legislature to close the loophole in their laws, which allowed diversionary DUI
cases to avoid the IID. Yet, on the MADD website's FAQ page the following appears:
"Does MADD advocate for ignition interlocks in all cars?
No. MADD advocates requiring ignition interlocks only for convicted drunk drivers with an illegal blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater."
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