Nebraska is on pace to see a 20 percent increase in the number of ignition interlock devices issued in DUI cases, thanks to a new state law.
The law also has reduced the number of so-called administrative license revocation hearings by 90 percent. Supporters of the law say those hearings dragged out cases for a year or more.
The new law was spearheaded by legislative Speaker Mike Flood, of Norfolk. It forces most people convicted of first- and second-offense DUI to have interlock devices installed. Drivers must exhale into the devices before the vehicles can be started. If a device detects alcohol at a pre-set level, the vehicle will not start.
