May 7, 2009

Markell Proposes Increased DUI Fines to Deter Drunk Driving

Sen. Bushweller and Rep. Bryon H. Short to sponsor legislation

DOVER -- Gov. Jack A. Markell joined forces with Sen. Brian J. Bushweller and Rep. Bryon H. Short to announce legislation Thursday that would increase the State’s fines and penalties for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

DUI continues to be a significant threat to the motoring public’s safety and Governor Markell believes greater fines will serve as a deterrent to this dangerous behavior.

“Far too many Delawareans are being killed and injured in crashes caused by impaired drivers. These crashes are tragic and are completely preventable.  We are sending a loud message today: Delaware will not tolerate drunk drivers on our roads. These harsh penalties that will make people think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol,” said Gov. Markell.

In 2008, 42 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes.  Five more have died in crashes caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs since the beginning of this year.  Additionally, last year state and local law enforcement officers made approximately 6,916 arrests. Of this number, 5,057 drivers were first-time offenders and 59 drivers had been previously arrested for DUI five or more times.

“Delaware continues to have a significant problem with drunk drivers.  This bill creates significant penalties for drunk driving, especially for repeat drunk drivers, and should send a clear message to people who drive under the influence:  if you engage in this behavior, the consequences to you will be as significant as the danger you present to others, ” said Sen. Bushweller.

The bill proposes to increase fines in the following manner: from $230 to $1,150 for first offenses to $500 to $1,500; from $575 to $2,300 for second offenses to $750 to $2,200; from $1,000 to $3,000 for third offenses to $1,500 to $5,000; from $2,000 to $6,000 for fourth offenses to $3,000 to $7,000.

The bill also proposes greater fines and penalties for drivers who continue to violate the State’s DUI laws.  These are DUI offenders with five or more violations. Drivers with a fifth offense would face a fine of $3,500 to $10,000 while fines for a sixth offense would be $5,000 to $10,000 and fines for seven or more offenses would be $10,000 to $15,000.

“Our Divisions—the Office of Highway Safety, the Delaware State Police, Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement and the Division of Capitol Police—work tirelessly to remove impaired drivers from our roads through enforcement and awareness activities.” The passage of this legislation will be another powerful tool to help fight impaired driving as it would bring about a significant financial penalty,” said Lewis Schiliro, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

In addition, under the proposed legislation the increased fines will help underwrite the costs to enforce and administer the state’s DUI efforts. This would include defraying the costs of the forensic chemists dedicated to the DUI enforcement program.