Ignition Interlocks Provision Of Leandra's Law In Effect

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Driving a car won't be as simple as inserting a key into the ignition for anyone convicted of a drunk-driving charge.

A provision of Leandra's law that went into effect Sunday requires individuals convicted of felony or misdemeanor drunk driving to install ignition interlock systems in their cars.

The devices are connected to ignition systems and measure the alcohol in a driver's breath. If the driver fails, the ignition is disabled.

The interlocks have to be installed for at least six months and up to three years for a misdemeanor and five years for a felony.

The law is named for 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, killed when a woman drunkenly drove a station wagon full of children into a highway wreck. The law makes drunken driving a felony if a child is in the car.

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