Baton Rouge - Governor Bobby Jindal signed three DWI bills into law today. The governor says drunk driving has been a problem in Louisiana and statistics prove the roads are not safe because of drunk drivers.
"Today we're sending a clear signal that we will not tolerate dangerous, life-risking behavior on our roadways - and those who violate public safety will face tough penalties and an efficient judicial process geared at bringing them to quick justice," Jindal said.
The governor said HB 444 limits the scope of discovery prior to administrative hearings for driver's license suspensions for those arrested for DWI - this would streamline the process for bringing DWI offenders to justice.
Jindal said HB 445 strengthens the penalties for refusing to submit to a breathalyzer exam. Governor Jindal said Louisiana has one of the highest rates of refusal to submit to a breathalyzer in the nation. This new law means anyone who refuses a breathalyzer will have their driver's license suspended for one year on the first offense, and increase to two years on the second offense.
By signing into law SB 166, Jindal makes it a criminal offense to be caught driving without a license that has been suspended due to a DWI arrest or conviction. Drivers caught could be punishable by mandatory jail time.
