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NM Expansion Of Ignition Interlock Sought

Advocates of ignition interlock devices to combat drunken driving want to expand the requirement so that convicted offenders have to install devices in their home to detect whether they're using alcohol.

Richard Roth of the Santa Fe-based advocacy group Impact DWI says the proposed requirement would apply to offenders who claim they don't have a vehicle and are not driving.

The expanded interlock requirement would be the centerpiece of the group's legislative agenda for the 2013 legislative session that begins Jan. 15.

New Mexico is among states that require an ignition interlock after a driver's first offense, but Roth says half of offenders are not installing them.

He says those offenders are four times more likely to be arrested again for DWI than offenders with interlock.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.