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Senate advances sweeping DUI reforms, creates 'impaired driving' offense
Summary
Senators approved a first substitute to SB15, recasting alcohol/drug‑related reckless driving as 'impaired driving,' expanding the definition of drugs to include inhalants, lengthening look‑back to 10 years, requiring ignition interlocks for under‑21 offenders and raising impound fees to fund enforcement. The substitute passed 28–0 (1 absent).
The Utah Senate advanced a comprehensive package of driving‑under‑the‑influence reforms on Jan. 23, 2008, passing the first substitute of Senate Bill 15 by roll call 28–0 with one senator absent. Sponsor Senator Walker said the measure incorporates recommendations from the Youth Safety/DUI subcommittee and has broad committee support.
Key changes described on the floor include replacing the existing conviction label ‘‘alcohol or drug‑related reckless driving’’ with a clearer offense titled ‘‘impaired driving’’ (the sponsor said penalties remain the same); expanding the statutory definition of ‘‘drug’’ to include inhalants; lengthening the criminal ‘‘look‑back’’ period to 10 years for prior offenses; and increasing impound fees to finance additional DUI troopers and liquor‑enforcement officers. Senator Walker framed the package as a response to tragic, alcohol‑related crashes involving teens and families and said high‑visibility enforcement will be prioritized.
The substitute also requires ignition interlocks for certain offenders: an offender under 21 convicted of DUI or impaired driving must have an ignition interlock for three years; a conviction that causes injury triggers a five‑year alcohol‑restricted‑driver designation that bars driving with any alcohol in the system during that period. On the floor the sponsor said these enforcement funds will be revenue neutral overall and will be dedicated to DUI enforcement and liquor enforcement efforts.
Senator Romero asked whether funds would be used for public education as well as enforcement; the sponsor pointed to ongoing public education efforts such as the Parents Empowered campaign and other outreach already funded from separate sources.
Next steps: The substitute was ordered to be read for the third time; final passage and transmittal to the House were scheduled as the bill moves through the legislative calendar.
