Controversial DUI Laws in Oregon

Driving while under the influence is a risky and dangerous act. In Oregon, a first offense suspends your license from 10 days to 1 year, so, it is serious. Oregon has some of the stiffest laws that try to curtail you from driving under the influence. However, there are some controversial laws that are in effect or can take effect in Oregon.

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21 Law

There is a push for the 21 Law, which would raise the legal drinking age to 21. This is to ensure that alcohol-related accidents are curtailed, for many of them are caused by intoxicated persons under 21.

It is argued for the law that it would protect the development of youths. Also, the trauma of being charged with DUI under the age of 21 can be devastating for some. It will affect your reputation and could prevent you from getting work as an adult. Likewise, it is said that the law saves lives, since many alcohol-related accidents involve drunk persons under the age of 21. It is also a fact that more young people die from alcohol-related causes than any other illegal drugs combined.

Those who argue against it say that as long as you are an adult, which is the age of 18, then you should be able to drink and buy alcohol. Many show maturity at that age and should be able to handle adult decisions at that age.

Interlock Ignition Device

An interlock ignition device prevents your vehicle from starting if your BAC level is 0.02 or 0.04%. It is like a breathalyzer, and it is installed to protect you from getting behind the wheel with any alcohol in your system. Some claim that it is too invasive. However, it can protect lives, especially the one for whom it was put on. In Oregon, a first time convictions and up for DUI has to endure an interlock ignition device on his car. Also, any other DUI conviction after that, you have to have an interlock ignition device on your car.

DUI fines and penalties in Oregon

• For a first time DUI convictions and beyond, you can expect to pay up to a $10,000 fine, if there was a child under 18 in the car and was 3 years younger than the driver.
• A third DUI conviction in Oregon can lead to permanent revoking of your license.

Oregon House bill 2331

This bill allows a defendant to enter subsequent DUI diversion agreement if the defendant has certain criteria; this includes no conviction with a motor vehicle within a specific number of years before the present offense.

Oregon House Bill 2426

This bill imposes a fine for you if you are convicted of DUI with a certain percent or more by weight of alcohol in your blood at the time of your offense.

Oregon House Bill 3051

This bill allows a valid chemical analysis of your urine to be admissible at the trial of any criminal or civil action, to be used as evidence of DUI. This is especially allowed if the analysis was done by a licensed or an accredited toxicology laboratory.

It is just plain better not to drink and drive. There is new legislation in place in Oregon to try to prevent DUIs.