The new law is the toughest in the nation; most other states only mandate the use of the devices -- which require drivers to blow into a breath-alcohol testing device in order to start their car -- for repeat offenders.

First-time offenders in New Mexico will be required to install the devices on their car for a year; the new law says that anyone convicted of four drunk-driving offenses will have to keep the device on their car for the rest of their lives. An ignition-interlock device costs offenders about $1,000 per year.

"This is the first time it's been so broad," said Jonathan Adkins, communications director for the Governors Highway Safety Association. "States realize we haven't won the drunken-driving battle yet."

Congress also is getting more involved, threatening to hold back federal highway funds from states that don't crack down on repeat drunk-driving offenders, including requiring ignition interlocks and license suspensions.

Ignition interlocks are legal in 43 states and the District of Columbia, and more states are mandating their use. For example, Washington passed a law last year requiring interlocks for first-time offenders convicted of having a blood-alcohol level of .015 percent or higher. And lawmakers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington have proposed that interlocks be built into all new cars.

About 80,000 of the devices are now in use in the U.S., according to manufacturer Smart Start Inc. "I would expect that to more than double in the next five years," said company CEO Lamar Ball.

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