Stupid Law Alert! -- All Cars May Get DWI Locks

Albuquerque Jounal, Capital Bureau ^ | 2/17/2004 | Kate Nash

[DesertDreamer]

SANTA FE— Every car sold or registered in New Mexico would have to have an alcohol-detecting device installed before 2009 under legislation approved by the House on Monday.

New Mexico, always grappling for answers to chronic drunken-driving arrests and deaths, would be the first in the nation to require the devices, said Rep. Ken Martinez, D-Grants, the sponsor.

The device is known as an ignition interlock, and drivers have to blow into them and pass the alcohol detection test before their cars can start.

The measure, approved 45-22, headed to the Senate for debate. Gov. Bill Richardson said he would carefully consider the bill if it gets to his desk.

The bill (HB 126) would require the ignition interlocks to be installed by the owner before any car could be registered or sold. For new cars, the law would take effect in 2008; for used cars it would be 2009.

"Citizens of the state of New Mexico, you're going to pay a little more, but you are going to be part of the solution," Martinez said.

The cost was the main point opponents raised during a three-hour debate. The devices cost up to $1,000 now, but could go down significantly as technology improves, Martinez said.

"You're already paying for DWI. Everybody in New Mexico already pays. DWI is very expensive," Martinez said.

[DesertDreamer]

Attention New Mexicans! Call your Senator before this stupid law is passed (505) 986-4300 . Yes, we have a serious DWI problem, but this is not the answer. Serious enforcement is the answer.

[.cnI redruM]

Wadddya Mean I Kant Drive Drunk, Oshifer? HowdaI get the car home?

[Spiff]

If I lived in New Mexico, I would freakin' move before I bought such a vehicle. If passed in my state, I will move before I was forced to purchase such a vehicle. I don't drink and I'm not going to blow into anything to drive my own vehicle.

[South40]

Yup

[Seeking the truth]

I wonder how many minutes it will take for some enterprising inventor to create a device to fake this detector.

[_Jim]

New Mexico, always grappling for answers to chronic drunken-driving arrests and deaths, would be the first in the nation to require the devices,

I have an idea - outlaw liquor ...

[per loin]

I have an idea - outlaw liquor ...

One Teddy Kennedy is not enough? You want to create a second one?

[tacticalogic]

The oil companies are behind it. Pretty soon you'll see the parking lots in bars filled with locked cars sitting with their engines running.

[GulliverSwift]

I don't understand all the criticism this law is getting. It's a wonderful law that's only just a start of what we really need. An IQ tester on every residential door. That way, the Dims wouldn't be able to get out the door. Too much BSC (Brain Stupidity Content).

[_Jim]

Do you mean another Joseph P. Kennedy (the bootlegger) perhaps?

[Bobibutu]

Blow up a couple of baloons before you imbibe - clamp them. Retrieve and expell into the device - a couple so if you fumble one has a second or third chance.

Now cops can look for baloon filled back seats - or would that be profiling? ;-)

[Uncle Meat]

I wonder how many minutes it will take for some enterprising inventor to create a device to fake this detector

Long enought for him to get a sober buddy blow in the damn tube to start the car.

[mdittmar]

Well it should really solve any traffic problems 'cause no one would live or go there.

[NonValueAdded]

They should hook the device up to the vote recording system in the legislature. It could be field tested in the US Senate, maybe using the senior senator from taxachusetts as the lab RAT!

[per loin]

We are a short step from the technology where the government can control the usage of every vehicle in the country. We are a shorter step from the government's willingness to do so.

[Seeking the truth]

I just copyrighted "Sober Spray".

[per loin]

Nope. he's long since dead. Tis his pulpous spawn that is today's problem.

[_Jim]

We are a short step from the technology where the government can control the usage of every vehicle in the country.

Man!

I'd like to know how they're going to do that -

- could outline how that would be done technically, you know, what kind of infrastructure layout would be required, et cetera?

[KingNo155]

"Hey Ms. I'll give ya 5 buckis if ya blow my doors off"

[KingNo155]

"Hey Ms. I'll give ya 5 bucks if ya blow my doors off" (SLAP)