The Spokesman-Review is reporting that the Washington State Patrol is starting a new DUI enforcement program on New Year’s Day. The pilot program means tougher punishments for some intoxicated drivers in five areas of the state, including Spokane.
The new program goes into effect in Chelan, Spokane and Thurston counties, as well as in the cities of Kent and Centralia.
Drivers charged with their second DUI in these areas may be required to do daily monitoring of substance use. That means they will either report to jail twice a day to give a breath test or pay more for an ankle monitor.
Offenders pay for the tests and if they fail, they go to jail.