Alabama is stepping up its use of a technological solution to the age-old problem of drunken driving.

Taking effect this month, a revised law provides for people convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol to install ignition interlock devices that prevent their vehicles from starting if they have a blood-alcohol content of .02 or more. In some cases, the interlock devices are mandatory. In others, drivers can request devices in exchange for reduced terms of driver’s license suspensions.