Bill > H1788

This bill addresses the handling of vehicles when a person is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) by establishing new procedures to prevent potential subsequent impaired driving. Specifically, the bill requires that any vehicle operated by a person arrested for a DUI-related offense must be impounded for at least 12 hours. When someone is summoned to transport or accompany an arrestee from a law enforcement facility, the agency must provide a written statement warning about potential criminal and civil liability if they allow the arrestee to operate a vehicle while still impaired. The law enforcement agency must either have the person acknowledge receipt of this warning in writing or document that the warning was provided. The vehicle can only be released if the person claiming it presents a valid driver's license, proof of ownership or legal right to operate the vehicle, and current vehicle insurance, or meets other reasonable conditions set by the law enforcement agency. The agency is also permitted to charge a reasonable fee for towing and storage of the impounded vehicle and can retain the vehicle until the fee is paid. The bill aims to reduce the risk of repeat impaired driving and create clear guidelines for handling vehicles involved in DUI incidents.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1788