Convicted drunken drivers may soon have to pass a breath test to start their car. The Nebraska Legislature gave final round approval Tuesday to a bill that would require first-time and subsequent DUI offenders to obtain permits for ignition interlocks.

Drivers must blow into the devices and if they have been drinking alcohol, their car won't start. Supporters say the devices thwart drunken drivers who try to drive even when their license has been revoked.

States that already use the device report a 25 percent drop in alcohol-related driving deaths and a 60 percent decrease in repeat drunk driving offenses.

One family has seen firsthand what a repeat drunk driver can do. "This was the Christmas before they left for New Mexico," says Dale Beller looking through some photos. It was the last Christmas Beller had with his parents.

They and another couple were driving on a New Mexico interstate in 2002 when an accident occurred. "My parents and Bud and Alice were both killed by a drunk driver,” says Beller. “It's something you never think could happen to you, it's just one of those things that this can't happen to me."

This particular drunk driver had nine previous drunken driving convictions.

Senseless accidents like this one are behind LB 736, introduced by Sen. Tony Fulton of Lincoln.

"Basically, what we're doing here is we're introducing a new technology into our battle against drunk driving. If someone is convicted on a first-offense drunk driving or if someone has a first-offense drunk driving, then we would require this ignition interlock after a period of a month."

The devices are installed at places like Ignition Interlock. "Probably with us and our competitors, probably see about 150 to 200 a month," says John Hunter.

It's a system wired into a car that will only allow sober people to drive. Once the indicator light comes on the driver just has to blow into the device. Once the pass light comes on, they can start the car. Drivers who have been drinking will get a fail light and their car won't start.

Beller hopes this bill will keep drunk drivers from causing more pain. "Boy, you never want anyone to go through this."

The bill now goes to Gov. Dave Heineman. He’s expected to take the full five days he's allowed to review it before deciding whether to sign it into law.

Taxpayers won’t have to pay for the program. The drunk driver must pay for the interlock ignition to be put in his or her car. It will cost around $75 a month and must stay on anywhere from five to 10 months.

DUI offenders whose license have been revoked for 90 days could apply for an interlock device after not driving for 30 days. Permit holders could drive only to work, school or alcohol treatment.