News

Kentucky lawmakers have given final passage to a bill aimed at curtailing drunken driving through use of ignition interlock devices that test the sobriety of drivers.

A final version cleared the House and Senate on Tuesday as lawmakers neared the conclusion of their legislative session. The measure now goes to Gov. Steve Beshear.

Rep. Dennis Keene, a longtime advocate for use of the devices, says the measure will make roads safer.

The final version doesn’t require first-time DUI offenders to have the devices installed unless there’s an aggravating circumstance, such as excessive speed or driving drunk with a child in the car.

Drivers must blow into the devices in order to start their vehicles. If their blood-alcohol concentration exceeds a certain level, the vehicles won’t start.