Alabama’s new tougher DUI law will now require anyone convicted of driving drunk and having a blood-alcohol level of 0.15 or higher – to take a breathalyzer test every time they want to start a car. The law  which went into effect on September 1st (2012) will require any first-time, or repeat, convicted drunken driven, to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. An ignition interlock prevents a driver from starting up the vehicle until they have blown into the device and registered a blood-alcohol content of .02 or lower. First and second time offenders must keep the device on the car for a period of two years; anyone convicted of a third DUI will have to use the device for three years while a fourth conviction will result in the system being placed in the vehicle for five years. Alabama is one of 14 states requiring mandatory ignition interlock devices on first convictions. According to the latest figures available  in 2010 more than 13,000 motorists were charged with driving under the influence in the state.