Higher-Risk Impaired Driver Act

The Higher-Risk Impaired Driver Act (S. 1141) aims to reduce traffic fatalities by requiring states to implement stricter penalties for high-risk drunk drivers or face a reduction in federal highway funding. Under this bill, states would be required to enact laws targeting repeat offenders, individuals with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or higher, and those who refuse chemical testing following a serious accident.

For citizens, this legislation would mean mandatory minimum penalties for high-risk violations, including a $1,000 fine, driver’s license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Additionally, convicted individuals would face required substance abuse assessments, potential imprisonment or electronic monitoring, and mandatory participation in treatment programs and victim impact panels.