Judges, Task Forces Want Tougher DUI Laws in Montana

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Members of DUI task forces are asking legislators for tougher laws against impaired driving in Montana.

The state had the nation's highest percentage of fatal crashes involving impaired drivers in three of the five years between 2012 and 2016.

The DUI Law Committee asked the legislature's Interim Law and Justice Committee to consider making a third DUI a felony and require ignition interlock devices after a first DUI.

The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports the DUI Law Committee made its recommendations after asking task force members and lower court judges how they would reduce the incidence of DUIs.

The committee also suggested setting up more well-publicized sobriety checkpoints and allowing officers to get an electronic warrant for drivers who refuse breath tests.

The Law and Justice committee meets again in September.