Don't Sweat Car's DUI Interlock

(Seattle, Washington) It's ridiculous to pass a law and hope that the public will comply. File this story under "Laws Not Being Enforced."

From Seattle Times:

Some 28,000 Washington drivers, all convicted of driving under the influence, aren't supposed to start their cars without first breathing into an alcohol-detection device.

Yet just over 4,400 ignition-interlock devices have been installed on cars in the state, said Brad Benfield, state Department of Licensing (DOL) spokesman.

The gap illustrates a frustrating hole in the system: No public agency confirms the device is installed once the court or DOL orders it. In addition, when the devices are installed, drivers find ways to cheat them, officials say.

While it is possible many offenders ordered to use the devices stopped driving, many simply ignore the order, state and local officials say.

Scofflaws are presumably only able to be caught during traffic stops and it's a misdemeanor.