CALIFORNIA - A number of laws take effect on the first day of the new year, including one designed to prevent drunk drivers from re-offending.

Convicted drunk drivers will now be required to install an ignition interlock device, or breathalyzer, to their vehicles.

The device measures the alcohol content in the driver's breath. If the driver is over the legal limit, then the car will not start.

"So your first time DUI that involves a crash that is a non-injury, you have the option to install an IID, which is an ignition interlock device, into your car for six months to retain your driver's license," said Jason Morton, public information officer for California Highway Patrol in Redding. "If it's an injury crash you're required to have an IID.

Installing the IID depends on the severity of the DUI.  

Second offenders and first offenders who injure others will both be required to use the device for one year. For third-time offenders, the device is mandatory for two years. This device also costs $3 per day. 

"IIDs are very, very expensive," Morton said. "You have to go and have them downloaded and all of that stuff and update it every so often, so there is a charge to that." 

Officers say they hope the monetary cost will help drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

"Everything is worth a try to hopefully get our DUIs down," Morton said.