A new bill has been passed that might make individuals think twice before drinking and driving.

The new auto impoundment law for drivers caught driving under the influence amends the Illinois vehicle code. It authorizes a law enforcement agency to impound, for six hours, a motor vehicle driven by a person arrested for DUI unless the arrested person or the vehicle owner is able to safely drive the vehicle.

The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. John McNamara, D-Oaklawn, has undergone a major change since its first introduction to the General Assembly. McNamara initially wanted the drunk driver held for six hours, instead of the vehicle.

The idea was to keep an arrested DUI offender from driving intoxicated after posting bail. The six hours would serve as a drying-out period for the drunk driver to regain the judgment necessary to drive.

Rep. John Countryman, R-DeKalb, suggested it would be better to have the driver’s car impounded instead of holding the driver. Someone could then be called to pick up and take home the offender. Countryman said holding the driver might infringe upon the drivers’ constitutional rights.

“What you would have is imprisonment without trial,” Countryman said.

He said the new law probably would not deter drivers from drinking, but could save lives by keeping DUI offenders from getting back behind the wheel immediately.

DeKalb Police Chief Joseph Maciejewski said he knew of the bill, but had not received a detailed copy and could not comment on it at this time.

University Police Lt. Ken Kaiser said he didn’t think the new law would decrease drunk driving. “Some it will affect, some it won’t. Those who enjoy party life and liquor will still drink and drive. A continued alcoholic won’t be affected either,” he said.

Kaiser said he hoped the law would prompt individuals to walk instead of drive to the bars or take advantage of the taxi sevice provided by some taverns and lounges.