A law that’s been long fought for took effect on Oct. 1. Those who advocated for it say that it closes a dangerous loophole in the Maryland drunk driving statute known as “Noah’s Law.” The law was named for a Montgomery County police officer who was fatally struck while on duty by a drunk driver.
Noah’s Law requires those convicted of drunk driving to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on their vehicles to get a restricted driver’s license that allows them to drive legally. An IID, as most people know, is a device resembling a breathalyzer that a driver must blow into to show that they haven’t been drinking for the vehicle to start.
In Maryland, IIDs come equipped with a camera to help ensure that a driver who has been drinking doesn’t have someone else blow into it to get their vehicle started. Drivers are also required to blow into the device intermittently while they’re driving.
Who does the new law affect?
The loophole in the original law was that if a person was given probation before judgment (PBJ) by a judge, they weren’t required to get an IID. A PDJ, often given to first-time DUI offenders, allows a person who fulfills the conditions of their probation to avoid a conviction.
Now, those who get PBJ for a drunk driving charge must have an IID for at least six months to drive legally. The new law is expected to mean some 5,700 more IIDs in Maryland vehicles.
Understand the requirements of an IID before getting one
While there’s no doubt that IIDs save many thousands of lives every year, it’s critical for those who have them to understand how they work, to follow the rules that come along with them and not to try to “cheat” in any way. That will only make things worse.
Whatever the circumstances that led to a DUI charge, it’s important to know how seriously the state takes this offense. That’s why it’s wise to get legal guidance as soon as possible to protect your rights and help you make the best decisions for your case.