Home » Maine »Controversial DUI Laws in Maine

Controversial DUI Laws in Maine

Over the years, many laws have been enacted in the state of Maine to tackle the scourge of drunk driving. Not all these laws have gone down well with all section of the society. Many organizations, especially human rights groups, deem some of these laws as controversial as they sometimes impinge on the rights of Maine drivers. Some organizations have even gone as far as to challenge the legality of some of these laws in the courts and include:

 
 

More articles on DUI Laws in Maine

  
 

  • Maine’s Zero Tolerance Rule: Maine zero tolerance is aimed at tackling drunk driving among minors. This rule stipulates an immediate suspension of the driver’s license of minors once they are caught doing a DUI. Many advocates complain about the sharpness of the law, as it does not give minors a second chance. As a result, it only drives fear in them but does not tackle the underlying problem of the consumption of alcohol among teens.
  • Maine’s Consent Law: Many drivers in Maine complain about the draconian way in which the consent law is implemented. To be able to get a Maine driver’s license, applicants must agree to subject themselves to a field sobriety test if requested by a police officer. Failure to do so automatically results in a one-year suspension of their driver’s license. Human rights groups have been fighting this law from its inception as in their view it is a violation of the Fifth Amendment. They argue that in no way should a citizen be forced to do something that will result in their incrimination.
  • Maine Interlock Law: One of the main punishments given by the courts of Maine is the installation of an ignition interlock device to cars of DUI offenders. To gain access to their cars ignition, these offenders must blow into the device that analyzes their blood alcohol level. Once it is below acceptable standards then the device allows them to start the vehicle. However, the main bone of contention of this law is in the system works. Many DUI offenders complain about malfunctions and inaccurate readings. This has a serious effect on offenders when they must return to court to have the device removed. Having positive interlock readings can result in suspension of their driver’s license and jail time as the readings are interpreted as a disregard for the justice system.
  • Ignition Interlock Enforcement: This issue was brought to the fore by DUI law advocacy MADD. They pointed out that many drunk drivers within the state of Maine were caught in the act of drunk driving while driving company vehicles and do not have a personal vehicle. As a result, when they are ordered to install ignition interlocks they are unable to do so. Hence, they remain free to drive on the streets. Secondly, individuals must pay to have these ignition interlock devices themselves and then prove to the state that they have done so. As a result, many individuals simply say they are in the process of installing the device and will prove it to the state as soon as it is done.