DUI Laws Could Strengthen In South Carolina

The bill has passed both the state Senate and House. However, lawmakers are working out slight compromises before it could be sent to McMaster's desk for signature.

A bill to strengthen South Carolina DUI laws could soon be sent to governor McMaster’s desk.

Under the current state law, drivers can be required to temporarily use an ignition interlock device if they have several DUI convictions or one conviction with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15, which is nearly twice the legal limit.

Drivers must blow into the device and their vehicle will not start if they are intoxicated.

The proposed bill would temporarily impose an ignition interlock requirement on all first convictions for DUI and pre-convictions.

The bill has passed both the state Senate and House. However, lawmakers are working out slight compromises before it could be sent to McMaster’s desk for signature.