The bill amends Chapter 31-27 of the General Laws, focusing on motor vehicle offenses related to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. A key insertion is the establishment of a new effective date of July 1, 2025, for the DUI provisions. The bill outlines penalties based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the presence of controlled substances, including mandatory fines, community service, imprisonment, and license suspensions. It requires individuals convicted of DUI or refusal to submit to a chemical test to install ignition interlock systems in their vehicles as part of their sentence before being eligible for license reinstatement. The duration of these requirements increases for repeat offenders, with specified periods ranging from six months to forty-eight months depending on the offense.

The bill also establishes an ignition interlock system fund to assist indigent defendants who are required to comply with the ignition interlock provisions but are unable to pay for the system. Additionally, it mandates that ignition interlock systems be equipped with cameras for accurate driver identification. The provisions include assessments, such as a $100 fee to the ignition interlock system fund for violations.

Furthermore, the bill outlines procedures for chemical testing of suspected DUI offenders and requires individuals charged with a third or subsequent DUI violation to undergo a hearing before license reinstatement. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance public safety by enforcing stricter regulations and penalties for DUI offenses.