MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- South Carolina law makers proposed legislation that will crack down on first time DUI offenders. The bill would require anyone charged with DUI to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.

Representative Eddie Tallon, of Spartanburg, sponsored the bill.  He said it will educate people to not become repeat offenders. This legislation is gaining support from Governor McMaster and one of our local lawmakers.

Currently, repeat offenders and first time offenders who blow a breath alcohol content of 0.15 or greater, which is nearly twice the legal limit, have to get an interlock system in their car. The device requires a breath test before the vehicle will start, and a camera takes a picture of the driver.

“It’s hard on families who lose family members to drinking and driving, so I don’t have any sympathy for that at all,” said Representative Kevin Hardee, R-Horry County.

This bill would apply those restrictions to drivers who’s DUI cases are still pending. Currently, the state suspends licenses and allows for a temporary license for limited purposes like driving to work. This bill proposes that first time offenders that blow a BAC of point 0.08 get an interlock system and not a restricted license, but the proposal has its critics.

“You can have 0.08 alcohol content in your blood and still not be meaningfully and appreciatively intoxicated to the point where you can’t safely drive an automobile,” said defense attorney Jonny McCoy.

The same goes for someone who refuses to give officers a breath sample when arrested for a DUI.

“I don’t want to incriminate myself because I’m knowledgeable of the constitution and I’ve read the fifth amendment,” said McCoy.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 32 states and Washington D.C. already have a similar law. 

During a recent rally, Governor Henry McMaster said interlock systems stopped nearly 2,000 people from drinking and driving in 2017.

“Anything we can do to cut down on drinking and driving and fatalites in South Carolina, I’m supportive 100 percent,” said Rep. Hardee.

Arrested drivers must pay for the device. Rep. Tallon said if someone can’t afford it, they can apply for assistance from the inerlock device fund.