What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
Among the many consequences you can face for being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is the installation of an ignition interlock device (at your expense) on your vehicle. You will also have to pay a monthly fee for renting the device, and another fee to install and remove the device.
What does it do? The interlock ignition device is a breathalyzer that attaches to your car’s starter and requires the driver to blow into the device. If the device finds any traces of alcohol on your breath, the vehicle won’t start.
In this article, the Orlando DUI attorneys at FL DUI Group will discuss interlock ignition devices and their use in law enforcement to help curb drunk driving.
How do interlock ignition devices work?
The interlock ignition device is essentially a breathalyzer attached to your vehicle’s ignition. It prevents the car from starting if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above the present limit of .025. If it is, the car won’t start.
In addition, drivers with interlock ignition devices installed on their vehicles will have to produce breath samples periodically while they’re driving. These are known as rolling retests, and they prevent the driver from drinking while they are driving. If you fail a rolling retest, the interlock ignition device will record the event, warn you to pull over, and trigger an alarm until you turn off your engine.
Who is required to install an interlock ignition device on their vehicle?
Not everyone convicted of DUI will be required to install an interlock ignition device on their vehicle. Florida Statute 316.193 requires interlock ignition devices for:
- First DUI convictions – The Florida courts can order an interlock ignition device for your first DUI conviction, no matter what your BAC was. However, first-time offenders with a BAC above .15 are required to have the device installed on their vehicle for at least six months. If you had a minor in the car, then the requirement increases to at least two years.
- Second DUI convictions – You will be required to install an interlock ignition device on your vehicle for at least one year if you are convicted of a second DUI during the lookback period. If your BAC was higher than .15 or you had a minor in the vehicle, the requirement increases to two years.
- Third DUI convictions – After a third DUI conviction, the court will order an individual to install an interlock ignition device for at least 2 years.
- Fourth or more DUI convictions – Even after a fourth conviction, you may be entitled to a hardship license. The court will require you to install the interlock ignition device for at least five years.
The above are minimum requirements. A judge has the discretion to order the installation of an interlock ignition device for a longer period of time based on the specifics of the offender’s case.
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What is an ignition interlock device?
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Transcript:
An ignition interlock device is a device that’s installed to the ignition of your car, where you would have to provide a breath sample into the device in order for you to start your car. It’s typically designed for people that have been convicted of certain DUI offenses where the courts want to make sure that the person isn’t further operating their vehicle impaired, so they have to provide a breath sample into the device in order for them to even start their car.
