A NEW road law will see certain drivers forced to install safety devices in their cars.
And the gadget even has the power to prevent your vehicle from moving.
Certain drivers will now be required to install an ignition interlock device (stock image)[/caption]
The law was first introduced at the beginning of the year and was officially enrolled earlier this week.
But don’t worry, because this restriction will only apply to a specific group of motorists.
People with DWI charges may have to take extra measures to prove safe driving.
So if you have a clean driver’s license, you have nothing to worry about.
On Wednesday, July 9, Governor Josh Stein signed the bill into law in North Carolina.
He signed in Senate Bill 311 alongside Senate Bill 429, a stand-alone public safety bill which focuses on driving and criminal law enhancements.
The bill includes a slew of changes including harsher penalties for burglary, package theft, and, shoplifting.
Reckless driving and street racing are also addressed under this new law.
Ignition Interlock Device
Drivers who fall under the criteria outlined in the bill will be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
This bill expands requirements for IIDs in drink driving cases, adding them as a condition for limited driving privileges and license restorations.
IIDs involve installing a breathalyzer in your vehicle, which prevents the engine from starting unless the driver blows a clean breath sample.
Each driver’s results will be recorded and reported as part of the process.
If they fail the breath test, by showing a blood alcohol content of ≥ 0.02%, the IID provider must report this to the North Carolina DMV.
The same process applies if the driver tries to tamper with the device or misses a required test.
This device is designed to detect any use of alcohol not just impaired driving.
New driving laws in 2025
Drivers across the United States are having to adjust to a slew of new road rules that take effect in 2025. Some of those include:
- Daylighting law prohibiting drivers from parking their cars within 20 feet of any crosswalk in California
- Stricter street racing penalties in California
- Changes to car seat age and weight requirements in Colorado
- Fines for failing to follow designated enter and exit areas for express lanes in Colorado
- Bans on handheld devices while driving in Colorado and Missouri
- Drivers allowed to have a digital copy of their license on their cell phones in Illinois
- Yield right of way to emergency vehicles in Illinois
- Drivers required to take a vision test to renew licenses in Kentucky
- School bus safety law in Oregon
- Vehicle safety inspections scrapped in Texas
If a driver violates the IID conditions during the final 90 days of the required period, the IID requirement and driving privilege are extended by another 90 days.
The device is not allowed to be removed until 90 violation‑free days are logged.
Offenses requiring IIDs
First-time DWI offenders with a BAC level of 0.15% or higher will be required to install an IID for one year following the reinstatement of their license.
Meanwhile, repeat offenders will see more severe measures being taken.
Anyone who has received a second DWI charge within seven years of the first will be required to have an IID for at least three years.
If someone has received a third charge or more an IID will be required for seven years.
They may also have permanently restricted driving, depending on the case.
IIDs required for anyone involved in a felony vehicular death and or injury.
Those with conviction for felony death by vehicle, felony serious in jury by vehicle, or habitual DWIs, will see lengthier periods.
The device will be required for a minimum of seven years for these cases.
If you’re applying for a limited privilege to drive for work, school, etc., the court can order you to install an IID as a condition.
Initial changes were first brought in from December 1, 2024 before being consolidated and expanded under Senate Bill 311 as of July 9, 2025.
The bill passed unanimously in the state Senate and with only a handful of Democratic dissenters in the state House.
Other road laws
A previous version of a sister bill included a provision allowing law enforcement to impound a driver’s vehicle for 30 days if used to recklessly drive.
In this case, the motorist could also receive harsher penalties for convictions.
However, lawmakers ultimately decided to cut these rules out of the proposal.
Regardless, this new road law is slated to take effect soon, alongside over 120 other new laws.
And a new license plate law will affect drivers in another state, from the same date.
Drivers convicted of reckless driving, including DWI charges, will be required to install the breathalyzer device under the new legislation (stock image)[/caption]
