Governor Thomas J. Vilsack signed into law House File 65, which lowered the allowable blood alcohol concentration limit for operating a motor vehicle from .10 to .08. The new law became effective on July 1, 2003.

The Governor was joined at the bill signing by law enforcement officers, Hudson High School students, and representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). "I am proud to sign into law this important legislation that will make Iowa's roads and highways safer," Governor Vilsack said. "I want to thank the legislators who made this bill possible, and I want to thank the many supporters of .08 in the law enforcement community, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the countless other people across Iowa who made their voices heard and helped get this bill passed.

In order to reach .08 BAC, a 170-pound male would have to consume 4-5 drinks in one hour on an empty stomach, and a 130-pound female would have to consume 3-4 drinks. Passage of the new .08 law means that Iowa is now eligible for $45.6 million in federal road money between 2004 and 2007. Iowa could receive up to $2.4 million in federal incentive grants for passing the legislation.

Motorists should expect law enforcement officers across the state to strictly enforce this new provision beginning on July 1st. However, the greatest impact in preventing personal injuries and saving lives will come from individual drivers choosing to educate themselves regarding the new law and then taking action to ensure them protect themselves and their loved ones. National studies indicate that 10-16 Iowa lives will be saved each year as a result of this new law.

The Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau and Iowa State Patrol are also reaching out to both law enforcement and community leaders in an effort to provide educational opportunities throughout the state during the remainder of 2003. More than 3500 letters have been sent to community leaders inviting them to consider making .08 the subject of an upcoming meeting in their community. State Troopers in each of the State Patrol's fourteen District Field Offices are eager to visit any public or private meeting in their community to share information related to this new law.

Almost 25% of Iowa traffic fatalities in 2002 (101) involved an impaired driver. "Without any doubt, this new law will save lives across our state. However, reducing these numbers will not occur through enforcement alone, states Commissioner Kevin W. Techau. "Please join me and the members of the law enforcement community in a pledge to significantly reduce the drunk driving fatalities in our state. Educate your family and friends regarding the serious dangers of driving while impaired. Together we can save lives!"