Starting January 1, 2014 the new 24/7 DUI Monitoring Program begins in three counties (Chelan, Spokane and Thurston) and two cities (Kent and Centralia).

Drivers charged with their 2^nd DUI in any of those areas may be placed in this new program which requires daily monitoring for substance abuse.

They will either report to jail twice a day to give a breath test (costing $4 for each breath test) or wear an ankle monitor, such as a “SCRAM bracelet”, with prices costing between $12-20 per day.

“If they pass the test, they’re out the door. If they fail the test, they’re incarcerated.”  explains Program Manager Bruce Bjork.

Currently in Snohomish and King Counties, local judges decide on a case by case basis whether to impose these above release conditions on  2^nd DUI offenders.