
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 23, 1994                   TAG: 9410010007
SECTION: WELCOME STUDENTS                    PAGE: WS92   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

NEW DRINKING & DRIVING LAWS ALREADY IN EFFECT

Motorists and boat operators are considered to be driving under the influence if their blood-alcohol content is .08 percent or higher, instead of the current .10. Even with a blood-alcohol content lower than .08, drivers can be convicted of DUI if their driving is impaired.

Drivers under 21 who are convicted of driving with a blood-alcohol content of at least .02 but less than .08 face punishments of up to a $500 fine and a six-month's driver's license suspension.

Those found guilty of refusing a blood or breath test will lose their driver's license for one year instead of six months.

People whose licenses have been suspended for alcohol-related offenses who are caught driving will have their vehicles immediately impounded for 30 days. A judge may impound the vehicle for another 90 days after conviction.

If the suspended driver was driving someone else's vehicle, the owner may petition for its release.

If a vehicle owner allows someone to drive his or her vehicle and is aware that the driver has a revoked or suspended license for an alcohol-related offense, the owner can be charged with a misdemeanor.

\ TAKING EFFECT JANUARY 1995

Motorists refusing breath tests or having a blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher will have their driver's licenses automatically revoked for seven days.

Motorists no longer will have the option of asking for a blood test instead of a breath test for an alcohol-related offense.

Source: Department of Motor Vehicles

by CNB