Senate Bill 236
Encouraging Increased Participation in DUI Courts
Effective date: January 1, 2013

This bill requires the Georgia Alcohol Drug Awareness Program to contain a voluntary guardian participation component, requires the Commissioner of Driver Services to provide for the approval of other state’s courses for active military children moving to Georgia within nine months of their sixteenth birthdays, and clarifies the DUI conviction standards for offenders younger than 21 years of age.

Limited driving permits that require the use of an ignition interlock device must be restricted to allow the holder to drive solely for certain purposes, and will be valid for eight months and may be renewed for additional six month periods. Limited driving permits after a second DUI conviction within five years must require the use of an ignition interlock device and involve participation in a substance abuse treatment program for a set time.

The Department of Driver Services (DDS) must not issue an ignition interlock device limited driving permit without the specific documents, and DDS may not issue a probationary license for habitual violators until at least two years have passed since the conviction. Limited driving permits and probationary licenses must be marked with the restriction that the holder may only operate motor vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device.

If a court revokes an offender’s probation for violation of the certificate of eligibility for an ignition interlock device limited driving permit, DDS must revoke that person’s driving privileges for one year. If an offender has his or her probation revoked for twice violating the terms of the limited driving permit or probationary license, DDS must revoke driving privileges for five years.

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