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The measure calls for "ignition interlocks" installed in cars of convicted drunken drivers.
Utah senators gave preliminary approval Monday to legislation that would require convicted drunken drivers to have "ignition interlocks" installed in their cars as a condition of probation.
Under Sen. Carlene Walker's bill, judges would have to order two-time drunken drivers to have such a lock, which requires the driver to breathe into a device that measures intoxication, or explain why such an order would be unnecessary.
"That person should clearly be required to have an interlock," Walker said. The legislation also changes guidelines for suspending drunken drivers' licenses.
Next steps: Senators will debate the legislation one more time before sending it to the House for consideration.
