New law requires ignition locks for anyone convicted of felony DUI

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – The 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office is warning drivers ahead of Memorial Day weekend not to drive while intoxicated, or they could face harsh penalties under the All Offender Law .

Under the newly enacted law, anyone convicted of driving under the influence must participate in the Interlock Ignition Device program, regardless of the driver’s blood alcohol content at the time of incident.

“So, if you got the interlock device on, that gives an extra level of protection for the public out there,” said Barry Barnette, the 7th Circuit Solicitor.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety , in 2023 there were 5,319 collisions involving alcohol or drugs that resulted in 3,372 people injured and 367 dead.

But is the interlock device program actually effective in saving lives? According to Barnette, yes.

“There’s no question because it keeps that person from driving the vehicle,” said Barnette. In 2022 , Interlock Devices prevented more than 2,800 vehicle starts from drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

“This is a very small device that is put into an offender’s car,” said Anita Dantzler, Public Information Officer for South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. “It has a camera attached to it and then it also has a device where they have to blow into it every time they start the car. The car will not start if their blood alcohol content level is higher [than 0.08%].”

Mothers Against Drunk Driving South Carolina, said during 2022, the Palmetto State saw 474 drunk driving deaths which ranked fifth worst in the country for that category.

“MADD advocated for five years for this expansion of ‘Emma’s Law’ to now cover all convicted DUI offenders,” said Steven Burritt, Regional Executive Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving South Carolina. “The use of ignition interlock devices to prevent repeat occurrences of drunk driving has shown to be incredibly effective and states that have an “all offender” law have shown drunk driving deaths decreases of 16% on average.”

The All Offender Law was signed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster in 2023, but it only took effect on May 19.

Both MADD South Carolina and The 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office are reminding drivers that if they don’t feel safe to drive, they should call a trusted person or use a third-party ride-sharing service.

“Memorial Day, like other holidays where celebrations often include alcohol, is a higher risk than most weekends, we know,” said MADD South Carolina. “It’s never been easier for people to get a safe ride home and we urge everyone celebrating to make a plan before they start to drink.”

“I’ve told both of my kids, if you have an issue, you call me,” said Barnette. “And I’ve had that happen. Thanks God they did.”

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