Lawmaker Wants To Toughen Laws For Refusing DUI Tests
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) - A Republican senator is seeking to toughen laws for drivers who refuse to take tests aimed at determining whether they are driving under the influence.
Senate Rules Chairman David Simmons of Altamonte Springs filed a bill on Monday that targets motorists who refuse breath, blood or urine tests.
Current law, in part, can lead to motorists having their driver's licenses suspended for such refusals. Under Simmons' bill, motorists who refuse first-time requests from police to take the tests would face penalties including fines of at least $500 and six months of probation.
The bill also would address motorists who refuse the tests after having their driving privileges suspended for prior incidents in which they declined the tests. Under the bill, those people could be charged with first-degree misdemeanors and have ignition-interlock devices installed on their vehicles for a year.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.