If you are accused of driving under the influence, one of the things that you could need to do upon conviction is use an ignition interlock device. The cost and restrictions of this device are good reasons to defend yourself and to fight against an unfair DUI conviction.
With an ignition interlock device, you have to test your breath each time you get into your vehicle. It’s obvious, too, so if you’re driving with someone, they will be aware that you’ve been convicted of a DUI. It limits your privacy and is intrusive. It asks you for new breath samples as you drive to mitigate the risk of you drinking while on the road, but this in itself is distracting and potentially embarrassing for drivers.
After an arrest and conviction, you could be ordered to use an IID
If you are convicted of a DUI, then you will face all penalties that come with that conviction including jail time and fines. Your license may be suspended. To be able to drive to get to work or to handle other responsibilities, you may be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed into your vehicle.
An ignition interlock device isn’t cheap. It costs an average of $3 per day to have one in your vehicle.
How long will you need to have an ignition interlock device?
After you’re ordered to obtain an ignition interlock device in order to drive, you will need to keep it in your vehicle for a predetermined length of time.
For a first-offense DUI, you normally have to keep the IID in your vehicle for a year. The revocation length could be longer depending on other factors, though.
A second offense and third offense increase the time to two and six years. With a fourth or subsequent license revocation for a DUI, you will have to use an IID for at least eight years.
Keep in mind that you only need to IID if you decide to drive after a conviction. For example, if you have a six-year revocation of your license and don’t drive in that time, you won’t need an IID. If you do decide to drive in the third year, then you’ll need an IID for the last three years of your license suspension.
