On Thursday, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed into law “Noah’s Law,” a bill named after a Montgomery County police officer who was killed by a drunk driver last year. The law targets repeat drunk drivers by requiring anyone convicted of drunk driving to use an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.

The 24-year-old police officer was struck by a drunk driver on Rockville Pike on December 3, 2015 while working as part of a holiday DUI task force. He died a week later.

The drunk driver, who had been arrested twice previously for drunk driving and had been convicted for drug possession, pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges on Wednesday. His blood alcohol content at the time of the accident was 0.22, which is three times the legal limit.

Through the efforts of the officer’s surviving family, “Noah’s Law” unanimously passed the General Assembly in April and will go into effect on October 1. The legislation, in memory of the slain officer, should help save hundreds of lives.

The bill signing ceremony included law makers and advocates who have been fighting to expand the strengthen the state’s laws against drunk driving.

The new law will require convicted drunk drivers to use an ignition interlock device in order to use their vehicle. It is a personal breathalyzer that requires the driver to blow into it in order to start their vehicle.

Your Maryland Drunk Driving Lawyers

The auto accident lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan have seen the devastation that can be caused by a drunk driver. That is why we are committed to helping victims and their families seek justice and the maximum amount of compensation they deserve for their injuries or losses.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident with a drunk driver, do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.