PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -- A new law in New York that took effect on Sunday might keep repeated drunken drivers off the roads.
A small device is expected to make a big impression on convicted drunken drivers under a provision of Leandra's Law, which requires any driver convicted of DUI to have an ignition interlock device installed on any car they drive.
"There is an additional impact upon them should they drink and drive and be convicted of that," said Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie.
What's more, Andrew Wylie said the devices cost nearly $1,000 each.
"The operator -- the defendant who is charged with and convicted of the driving while intoxicated charge -- is paying for it," he added.
The device is similar to a Breathalyzer device. The driver has to blow into it, and if there is a reading of .025 or higher, the car will not start.
Big Apple Audio in Plattsburgh is one of several businesses contracted to install the ignition interlock devices, and the owner, Bill Ferris, said the devices will also require a random hourly "breath sample" while the vehicle is being operated.
"The random sample keeps everybody honest," Bill Ferris said. "You never know when you are going to have to provide a sample."
The Clinton County Department of Probation said it intends to closely monitor the results.
"We will get notified either via e-mail or through the Internet of violations and how they’re doing on the system," said David Marcoux, with the department.
The devices must be installed for at least 6 months; although, those convicted of a felony drunken driving charge may be required to have the devices in their cars for up to 5 years.
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