The Massachusetts Senate approved a measure that would require an ignition interlock device for all drivers found to be operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Massachusetts is currently the only New England state that does not require the device for first offenders.
The measure is now in the House where a representative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving testified in support of the legislation that is similar to laws enacted in 30 other states. The law would replace the current, time-restricted “Cinderella” licenses sometimes issued for offenders with the requirement that all offenders install the device in any car they own, lease, or operate.
Because the devices only test for the presence of alcohol, however, the proposed requirement does not address drivers operating under the influence of marijuana, opiates, and other drugs.
