An anti-drunk-driving advocacy group says it's hopeful a Massachusetts bill focused on DII offenders will move forward in the New Year.
Under current law, a person charged with driving under the influence in Massachusetts for the first time has his or her license suspended for a year.
A bill under consideration on Beacon Hill would provide a way for them to drive legally.
They would have to agree to use an ignition lock that doesn't allow a car to start until someone has blown into an attached breathalyzer and proven they're not drunk.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving supports the bill because it says 50 to 75 percent of people with a suspended license continue to drive anyway.
MaryKate DePamphilis with MADD of Massachusetts said it's really just an honor system.
"You take away the license, but you're not taking away their car and their ability to drive," she said. "So if they have obligations that they need to get to, they're going to ahead and do that."
DePamphilis said her group is the most positive it's been in years about the proposed legislation becoming law. It's got 30 sponsors in the House and Senate.
