Washington State Toughens DUI Laws

New traffic laws went into effect in Washington State this week that will make it more difficult for drivers to crank their automobiles -- by forcing them to install ignition interlock devices -- if they are caught driving under the influence.

The new traffic laws, which officially went on the books Sunday, will require ignition interlock devices on automobiles owned or operated by anyone who is a repeat DUI offender, who refuses a breath or blood test, or who is found to have a blood alcohol content level of .15 or higher. The legal limit for drunk driving in Washington is .08.

Another law will also require the interlock devices for anyone found guilty of drunk driving with children in the car -- anyone under the age of 16. The interlock devices will have to remain in place for at least 60 days.

"We hope it will save lives and prevent injury," Randy Kinnamon, executive director of the Washington State chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, told The News Tribune. "The whole point is to deter people from driving after they've been drinking."