SB 539 - This act contains provisions for drunk driving suspensions and revocations and creates a new driving offense of driving with two-hundredths of one percent or more blood alcohol content, commonly known as "zero tolerance."

DRUNK DRIVING - First time offenses for driving while intoxicated (DWI) shall be reported to the Highway Patrol like all other offenses. The city of Springfield may require the forfeiture of motor vehicles driven by individuals who are prohibited from obtaining licenses because of multiple DWI offenses, in addition to forfeitures of vehicles driven by those with suspended or revoked licenses. Every applicant for a driver's license under the age of 21 shall be given DWI educational materials. The number of points assessed by the Director of the Department of Revenue for excessive blood alcohol convictions (including zero tolerance violations) is increased from 6 to 8.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR MINORS - Any person under age 21 who drives with .02% blood alcohol content shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. Violators shall be subject to an administrative suspension or revocation, and 8 points shall be assessed against the driver's license. $25 reinstatement fees are required to regain the license. A first offender of the zero tolerance law need not file proof of financial responsibility prior to getting driving privileges again. A first conviction of driving with .02% blood alcohol content shall be expunged if the person is not convicted of any other "intoxication-related traffic offense," pursuant to section 577.023, within five years of the original conviction.

This bill is similar to HS/HCS/HB 252 from 1995.
JAMES KLAHR