HARRISBURG -- The Senate Transportation Committee today approved legislation requiring first-time DUI offenders to equip their vehicles with ignition interlock systems that test their breath for alcohol before allowing the car to be started.

Existing Pennsylvania law requires interlock systems only for repeat DUI offenders.

Under the legislation, first-time offenders would be eligible for an "occupational limited license" -- issued to those with suspended licenses who show a need to drive for purposes of work or school -- after serving 15 days of their suspension. As a condition of the license, they must equip any vehicle they operate with an interlock system.

Current law allows such licenses to be issued after the first-time offender has served 60 days' suspension but does not require interlock systems.

The sponsor, Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr., R-Montgomery, said the legislation is needed because many people whose licenses are suspended for DUI continue to drive, anyway.

"We're trying to get drunks off the road," he said.

The bill also doubles the fee for an occupational limited license to $100. The bill now moves to the full Senate.

The legislation was supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which says 15 states currently require interlock systems for all DUI offenders.

Opposing the measure is the American Beverage Institute, a trade association representing more than 240 Pennsylvania restaurants. It said interlock systems should be required only for "hard core" offenders -- those with repeat offenses or high blood alcohol levels.