State Senate may change drunken driving penalties

TRENTON (AP) — Some motorists convicted of drunken driving in New Jersey might get to stay on the road.

The state Senate on Thursday considers a bill that changes the penalties for first-time offenders who currently lose their licenses for three months.

The measure would suspend licenses for motorists who have blood-alcohol levels between 0.08 and 0.10 percent for 10 days. They would be required to install a device on their car's ignition that measures blood alcohol content for three months.

The device prevents the vehicle from starting for readings above 0.05 percent.

Motorists would have to install the interlock for seven months to a year if their blood-alcohol levels are between 0.10 and 0.15 percent.

Repeat offenders would face tougher penalties.

The Assembly passed the bill.

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