A key provision of the New York Child Passenger Protection Act, known as Leandra’s Law, which requires all individuals convicted of a felony or misdemeanor drunk driving charge to install ignition interlock systems in any vehicle they own or operate, took effect on August 15, 2010. New York State now has some of the toughest DWI laws in the nation, with a strong focus on prevention.

New York joins nine other states in mandating ignition interlocks for first-time offenders, in addition to any other terms of sentence, such as prison, jail or probation. The devices must be installed for a minimum of six months and a maximum of three years for a misdemeanor conviction and five years for a felony conviction.

Anyone attempting to circumvent an interlock device is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.

In addition to requiring ignition interlocks, Leandra’s Law makes it a felony for an adult to drive drunk with a child under 16 in the vehicle.

Statistics cited by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) show that states with ignition interlock requirements experience a 35 percent drop in fatal alcohol-related crashes. In addition, fewer than 10 percent of drivers ordered to install the devices attempt to circumvent them.

An estimated 25,000 drivers statewide will be required to install an ignition interlock device annually. An interlock device costs the drunk driver between $75 and $100 to install, plus a monthly fee ranging from $70 to $100.

If you or a family member has been arrested for DWI in Rochester, call 716 542 5444 for a legal consultation and find out what a professional DWI attorney can do for you.