New year, new laws in Georgia-Carolina

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By Dustin Blanchard dblanchard@nbcaugusta.com

Story Published: Dec 31, 2008 at 5:40 PM EDT

Story Updated: Dec 31, 2008 at 5:40 PM EDT

New year, new laws, and a warning for those planning to party too hard.

Starting at midnight, anyone with a 2nd DUI in South Carolina must install an ignition interlock device in their car.

It's basically a breathalyzer, and if you blow higher than .02, your car just won't start. It'll cost drivers $90 a month.

Also in South Carolina: DNA. A new law requires all felons to have their D-N-A sampled. The law will let prisoners who say they've been wrongly convicted request DNA testing.

This one's not a law, but it could help you have a happier new year. Georgia's Department of Revenue will drop the gas tax 4 cents on January 1st.

Finally, one that might cost ya. Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine says car insurance rates could spike 25 percent.

That's because of a new law removing his ability to control rate hikes. Insurance companies say the law will increase competition.

Also in 09, Georgia will allow insurance companies to sell Uninsured Motorist coverage. That offers hit-and-run protections.

Consumer advocates say it's mostly just another moneymaker for insurance companies.

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