Overview
California Assemblymember Tom Lackey introduced Assembly Bill 71 to overhaul several sections of the California Vehicle Code governing ignition interlock devices (IIDs). The legislation alters how courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles administer breath-alcohol testing requirements for motorists convicted of impaired driving offenses.
Key Provisions
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Compliance Timelines: The bill restructures the mandatory time frames offenders must maintain certified interlock units on their vehicles following a conviction.
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Provider Reporting Mandates: Device manufacturers and service centers must adhere to standardized data submission protocols when reporting calibration logs and failed start attempts to state agencies.
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Restricted Licensing Pathways: The measure modifies administrative prerequisites for drivers seeking restricted license privileges after an arrest or conviction.
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Fee Structure Updates: Revisions to sliding-scale fee assistance programs aim to adjust affordability rules for low-income participants required to install monitoring equipment.
Impact on Drivers
Both first-time and repeat DUI offenders face direct changes to post-conviction licensing. A driver convicted under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 or 23153 must satisfy updated administrative verification standards through the DMV before operating a vehicle.
Skipping scheduled calibrations or attempting to bypass an installed unit brings swift license revocation. Drivers relying on employer-vehicle exemptions must also satisfy heightened documentation standards before returning to commercial or work-related driving duties.
Current Law vs Proposed Changes
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Current: Existing law requires repeat DUI offenders and first-time offenders involved in injury collisions to install an IID for periods ranging from six months to four years, relying on a statewide pilot framework.
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Proposed: AB 71 codifies operational updates to the statewide program, tightens reporting mandates for service providers, and clarifies penalties for non-compliance and device tampering.
What This Means For You
Anyone facing a DUI charge in California should expect continued reliance on breathalyzer hardware for license reinstatement. Install approved devices only through state-certified technicians, maintain scheduled calibration appointments, and track all paperwork submitted to the DMV. Consult a qualified California DUI defense attorney to evaluate specific license restriction options under current statutory guidelines.
Source: Official CA legislative records. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.
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