A Florida state senator wants to require convicted drunken drivers to have license plates that start with “DUI.”
The proposed law would also require bright pink license plates on vehicles driven by people with restricted driving privileges due to convictions for driving under the influence.
In New Mexico DWI offenders must install an interlock device on their vehicle for a period of at least one year. The device requires the driver to blow into the device before starting the car. If alcohol is detected, the car won’t start.
As a matter of effective prevention, NewMexiKen believes the interlock device is better than a special license plate. It is after all the driver who might be intoxicated, not the car.
NewMexiKen, maybe I am reading too much between the lines – but you seem to be celebrating the interlock device, and earlier you seemed peturbed by the online sex offenders map.
Why is one a good idea and one spooky? Is it the length of time they are used post-offense?
Or do you maybe think you personally have more to fear from one than the other?
First, I am troubled about Megan’s Law, but I don’t know that my concerns extend to opposing it. It’s just a murky area for civil rights and, as you say, not all sex offenders are in the high recidivism category.
The interlock device is, with all its limitations, a crime prevention mechanism. If you’re intoxicated, you cannot start the car. It doesn’t label the occupants of the car like a DUI license plate would.
As much as possible I’d say I’m for preventing crime but against unjustified labelling. It’s deciding what is justified labelling that is difficult.