Bill seeks special tag after 3 DUIs

January 28, 2002
Section: Local
Page: 1B

Jimmie E. Gates

Lawyers, MADD question proposed law's effectiveness

By Jimmie E. Gates
Clarion-Ledger Staff Writer

A state legislator wants to make it easier for police to recognize individuals with a history of drunk driving.

A bill filed by state Rep. Lee Davis, R-Hattiesburg, would require those convicted of a third DUI offense, a felony, to purchase a special auto tag to allow police to identify their vehicles.

"It would help law enforcement," he said. "It's a way for law enforcement to tell by looking at the vehicle tag a person who has been convicted of three DUIs."

But defense attorneys and even Mothers Against Drunk Driving are raising questions about the proposed legislation's effectiveness. Kevin Camp, a Jackson attorney who handles DUI cases, believes punishment for DUI is sufficient without the need for a special tag.

"It's trying to embarrass people. It's not a deterrent," Camp said.

Davis said he has been working on the idea for the last two years. The distinctive license plate would provide information that law enforcement only would be able to identify, he said.

The tag would be the same as other Mississippi tags but the letters or numbers may have a slight difference, Davis said.

"That would a good idea," said Vicksburg Police officer Darlene Jackson. "By having that tag on the car, it might prevent them from actually going out drinking and driving."

But Trinince Craft, who had a relative killed in a DUI-related crash Feb. 19, 2000, doesn't think it would have much effect deterring drunk drivers. "They will just find a way around it," Craft said. "They will drive someone else's car."

Under Davis' proposal, an individual would have to display the tag on any vehicle registered in his name for three years after his last conviction.

Those failing to comply would face a maximum punishment of a $200 fine and six months in jail.

Three DUI convictions within five years is a felony offense and carries a prison sentence of up to five years.

Danny Berry, state president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said his group is for "anything that will make the roadway safer."

But, Berry said, MADD's focus is passing legislation to lower the threshold for legal intoxication from .10 percent to .08 percent blood-alcohol content and to get an open container law bill passed.

He questions just how the law would make highways safer.

Camp said he doesn't think lowering the DUI limit from .10 percent to .08 percent blood-alcohol content will make much difference in preventing DUIs. Most people charged with DUI register much higher blood-alcohol levels than either limit, he said.