Significant changes are coming in the future, as new cars are to be mandated to have DUI detection technology. 

According to President Biden’s infrastructure bill, all new cars produced in 2026 and beyond must have drunk driving detection technology. 

Currently, some convicted drunk drivers must use breathalyzer devices attached to an ignition interlock, blowing into a tube and disabling the vehicle if their blood alcohol level is too high. However, under this new mandate, your vehicle will have the latest technology even if you don’t have any DUI convictions. 

DUI Driving Statistics 

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 31,785 people died in traffic crashes in the first nine months of 2022. 
• In the United States, around 10,000 deaths occur each year due to accidents involving alcohol. 
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the yearly cost of alcohol-related car crashes is more than $44 billion. 
• According to NHTSA, almost twice as many alcohol-related and fatal car crashes occur during the weekend.
• According to the CDC, 3,241 drunk driving fatalities occurred in Georgia between 2009 and 2018. 

New DUI Detection Technology Raising Concerns 

While supporters of the new technology believe it will help prevent drunk driving, opponents say it could backfire. Some in the auto industry worry about a potential malfunction. Also, the cost of the new technology will be included in the overall price of every new vehicle. So those without DUI records will have to pay extra for a technology they won’t use. The overall auto safety program is estimated to cost $17 billion. 

Critics argue that this legislation could lead to the disabling of vehicles for various reasons, not just for driving under the influence. For example, drivers may be required to provide identification to determine if they are offenders who have to breathe into a breathalyzer even if they are driving a vehicle that does not belong to them. This could result in constant tracking and identification of individuals in their cars, which could have detrimental consequences.

Others say the new legislation requiring drivers to blow into a tube to start their vehicle is invasive. In addition, they worry that the law intended to target drunk drivers could be expanded to include all dangerous drivers. 

Understanding DUI Laws

Understanding DUI laws requires an experienced DUI attorney. At The Patel Law Firm, we continuously stay abreast of new laws, trends, and defense strategies. If you are facing a DUI conviction or have questions about your rights, contact Sneh Patel today.