Washington state’s first-ever Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will begin today.
Extra officers will be patrolling Clallam County roadways looking for impaired drivers during the holidays between today and Jan. 1, said Julie Furlong, Washington Traffic Safety Commission spokeswoman.
“We do not have agencies in Jefferson County participating in these overtime patrols this time,” Furlong said.
“However, all agencies will be out in their normal patrols seeking out DUIs.”
The Port Angeles and Sequim police departments, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and the State Patrol will participate in Clallam County, she said, adding that the Clallam County DUI Traffic Safety Task Force organizes and supports this enforcement effort.
Interlock device
“As we enter into another holiday season filled with holiday parties that often involve alcohol, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission reminds us to arrange for transportation home with a sober driver or face the consequences of a DUI, which could cost up to $5,000 and includes a 14-month interlock device being placed on the driver’s vehicle,” Furlong said.
The ignition interlock can cost more than $1,200 to have installed in a vehicle as a result of a DUI conviction, Furlong said.
The device is about the size of a cellphone with a tube for breath samples. Before a driver can start a vehicle, the driver must blow into it.
The vehicle will start only if the device detects no alcohol in the driver’s system.
Ever since January 2012, ignition interlock drivers have to have records of clean blows for the final four months of the restriction in order to get the devices removed and be eligible for their regular driver’s licenses, Furlong said.
For more information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.