Georgia Bill Allows for Greater Driving Privileges with Ignition Interlock Device

Georgia has been overdue for DUI law reform, and in April the State Senate expanded SB 236, an Act which allows repeat DUI offenders to have more flexibility in their driving privileges.

Georgia suspended the licenses of two-time DUI offenders for 12 months, but the bill has reduced that to a minimum of 4 months. If convicted within a 5-year period, offenders can obtain a limited driving permit if they meet all requirements, including the installation of an ignition interlock device on their vehicle for at least 8 months.

The new law will allow offenders to drive to and from their place of employment, school, or substance abuse treatment facility, and will allow for greater autonomy while completing their probation. The court may exempt the offender from the requirements of the ignition interlock device limited driving permit if the court can determine that the requirements would put undue financial hardship on the offender.