Beginning this summer, pursuant to California Assembly Bill ("AB") 91, a new "Ignition Interlock Device" Law, some California drivers convicted of a first-time DUI offense will be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their vehicle as a condition of being issued a restricted driver's license, being reissued a driver's license or having the privilege to operate a motor vehicle reinstated subsequent to a conviction for DUI.

As of July 1, 2010, first-time offenders in the counties of Alameda, Sacramento, Tulare and Los Angeles will be required to have the devices in their cars for five months. If the offense involves an injury, the mandatory installation period is for one year.

The effectiveness of the program will be studied by the legislature through 2015 to determine if the program should be expanded statewide. The new law would prohibit the implementation of the program if the department fails to obtain non-state funds for the costs of the pilot program by January 31, 2010.

Ignition interlocks are devices requiring drivers to test their blood alcohol level (BAC) before a car can be started. If a driver's BAC is .03 or above in California, the device prevents the car's ignition from functioning. (A driver is considered to be in violation of DUI laws if their BAC is .08.)