The bill amends Chapter 31-27 of the General Laws, which pertains to motor vehicle offenses, specifically focusing on driving under the influence (DUI) of intoxicating substances. It revises the penalties for DUI offenses, making the installation of an ignition interlock system mandatory for certain periods following a license suspension. The bill increases the minimum period for the ignition interlock system for first-time offenders from nine months to not less than nine months and up to twenty-four months. For second and subsequent offenses, the bill outlines longer mandatory periods for the ignition interlock system, ranging from twelve months to forty-eight months, depending on the offense. The bill also allows servicemembers or veterans to complete court-approved counseling programs administered or approved by the Veterans’ Administration. Insertions in the bill include new durations for the ignition interlock system, while deletions remove the previous discretionary power of judges to impose the ignition interlock system requirement.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that after an initial license suspension, individuals must not operate a vehicle without an ignition interlock system for up to 48 months. It introduces the possibility of vehicle seizure and sale for those convicted of a third or subsequent DUI within a five-year period. The bill classifies driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license due to prior DUI offenses as a felony, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. It imposes stricter penalties for DUI offenses with a child under 13 in the vehicle and includes provisions for highway assessment fines and special considerations for offenders under 18. The bill mandates participation in an alcohol or drug treatment program and defines terms such as "servicemember" and "veteran." Insertions in the bill include the requirement for successful ignition interlock system use before license reinstatement and the extension of the ignition interlock system requirement period, while deletions include the removal of judicial discretion in certain cases.