Updated at 6:52 p.m., Saturday, June 30, 2007
Tougher drunk-driving law takes effect Sunday
Advertiser Staff
A new state law that takes effect Sunday strengthens penalties for highly intoxicated drivers whose measurable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.15 or above.While the legal limit for blood alcohol content in Hawaii is .08 percent, the latest law would impose harsher penalties on highly intoxicated drivers over .15. percent.
Under Act 198, highly intoxicated drivers caught with that blood alcohol level or higher can have their driver's licenses revoked for six months to one year with no conditional permit. Additionally, the driver's vehicle registration will be revoked for six months to one year, among other penalties.
"This is another law that puts the state on a path towards reducing the number of drunk drivers on our roads and to better protect the traveling public," said Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr.
Impaired driving continues to be a significant problem in Hawaii. Between 2001 and 2005, there were 674 traffic fatalities statewide. Of that total, 303, or 45 percent, were alcohol-related fatalities.
