Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds’ new DWI law, approved during a special session, goes into effect this week. The law aims to significantly reform Louisiana’s approach to driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses. The law lowers the blood alcohol content from 0.20 to 0.15, which aligns Louisiana with most other states.
“We’re now in line with about thirty-five states i think. We were sort of an outlier. Ours was way too high, so we have gotten in line with most of the other states.”
The aim is to reduce the state’s high rate of repeat DWI offenders.
Key requirements include the immediate reinstatement of driving privileges for DWI offenders who install electronic monitoring devices in their vehicles, eliminating the previous 30-45 day waiting period.
“and it fur5ther requires the ignition interlock device to remain on the vehicle for six month from the date of the restricted drivers license.”
The bill also introduces compliance-based removal for electronic monitoring devices, requiring offenders to demonstrate consistent sober driving before the devices can be removed.
The legislation has garnered broad support from various organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Edmonds says the changes are expected to reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Louisiana
“If you are going to the club or party or whatever it is…get an Uber, get somebody to take you home.”
In 2021, the Louisiana Driving Commission reported that 40% of vehicle crashes were alcohol-related.
