That law, with its mandatory incarceration, license suspensions, and fines upon conviction, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders, and pre-trial license suspension provision, generated much interest and debate in the legislative process. A principal goal of that legislation was to make it easier for the prosecution to obtain a conviction for drunk driving, which was accomplished by enacting a 'per se' prohibition of operating a motor vehicle when the blood alcohol content exceeds .10%. From the prosecution viewpoint, Mr. O'Brien discusses the history of the new law, the legal and practical issues or problems, together with the short term and long term impact of the new law. A total of 142 footnotes are provided. (Author abstract modified)