A ceremonial signing was held for a bill that looks to make it harder for people to drink and drive around the state. Governor McMaster was joined by Mothers Against Drunk Driving or MADD Wednesday morning in Columbia.
The bill calls for ignition interlock devices to be required for drivers after their 1st DUI conviction at .08 blood alcohol levels. Previously, the devices were only required for drivers who were at .15 or higher.
McMaster said "Too many South Carolina families have been tragically impacted by reckless drivers under the influence of alcohol. This legislation will significantly reduce the number of DUI incidents across our state and ultimately save the lives of countless South Carolinians."
The interlock device about the size of a cell phone that is wired into a vehicle's ignition system. Convicted drunk drivers must provide a breath sample into the device in order to start their vehicle. If any measurable amount of alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start.