First-time drunk-driving offenders would be required to install alcohol-detecting locks on their cars under a proposal being considered by Pennsylvania lawmakers, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Aug. 15.

Such ignition-interlock devices have been mandatory for repeat drunk drivers in Philadelphia since 2003, but now a bipartisan group of state senators wants to apply the same standard to first offenders statewide. "It's incomprehensible to me why you wouldn't want to put in a preventative tool," said Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny)."

Philadelphia defense lawyer Nick Nastasi said that the penalty could be too harsh for a first offender. "The punishment has to fit with the offense, and the economic level you fit into shouldn't affect your ability to drive," Nastasi said.