Slain Officer's Face To Appear On Ignition Interlock Devices
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A tougher law to keep drunk drivers off the streets goes into effect on Oct. 1.
Named after the Montgomery County police officer killed by a drunk driver, "Noah's Law" will require breathalyzers to be installed for all convicted DUI drivers.
On Friday, Rich and Marcia Leotta unveiled the image of their son, Officer Noah Leotta, that will appear on ignition interlock devices across Maryland.
"We don't want anybody else to have to suffer as we did," Noah's father, Rich, said.
Last December, the 24-year-old Montgomery County police officer was conducting a DUI checkpoint when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver.
Police say 47-year-old Luis Reluzco had several prior DUIs.
Noah's Law will now require all drivers with a DUI conviction to have a breathalyzer installed in their cars.
"We are going to push back against those who are so reckless and thoughtless," said Del. Ben Kramer.
The law not only honors Leotta, but everyone who has been impacted by a similar tragedy.
"This image representing all the women and men in blue and all the victims of drunk driving," Rich Leotta said.
Under Noah's Law, all drunk driving offenders with the ignition interlock devices will be unable to start their cars if they are intoxicated.
"This is something that actually saves lives. And if somebody has already killed and taken a life doesn't get the message, that's why this bill is so important," said John McCarthy, Montgomery County County State's Attorney.
Adding Noah's image to the device will remind all drivers of what's at stake.
"Officer Noah Leotta is reborn, as Noah is on patrol," his father said.
Under Noah's Law, drivers with their first DUI conviction are required to have the device in their car for six months. A second conviction would require a year.
For three or more drunk driving convictions, the device is required to be installed for three years.
