Ignition Interlock Devices

If you are convicted of a drunk driving, DUI, or related charge, you may be subject to a ignition interlock device requirement as part of your sentence. This is an unfortunate reality, and a difficult and inconvenient burden you must deal with as a condition of your driver’s license reinstatement.

An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a mechanical device, about the size of a cell phone that attaches to your vehicle’s ignition. This system is essentially a “rolling breathalyzer”.  A device, installed in your personal vehicle at your expense and by the order of the court,

Your Breath Alcohol Content must be below a certain threshold (equivalent of BAC) before the system allows your car to start, permitting you to drive.

These devices come from a variety of licensed companies throughout the state, and are installed and maintained at your expense. It is your responsibility, if sanctioned, to choose a company and have the device installed. You also pay the company for the device as sort of a rental fee. The monthly maintenance price varies but is around $2.50 per day.

Will I Need to Get an Ignition Interlock after a DUI Conviction?

There are a few different CA DUI & related  offenses that you can be convicted of and that will lead to the court ordering an ignition interlock device. Those include:

First time DUI with BAC over .15% If you are convicted of DUI and your blood alcohol content was greater than .15% the judge will give serious consideration to ordering a device installed in your vehicle.

Driving on Suspension from prior DUI If caught driving on a suspended license and the suspension was a result of a DUI, you may be driving with an ignition interlock device once your license is reinstated.

Any second or subsequent DUI conviction: The period of time you are required to drive with the device is at the discretion of the courts. Your license may also be suspended for some of these offenses, which means that the period of ignition interlock would begin once your license is reinstated.

Ignition interlock devices not only require installation but also routine maintenance. In the state of California, it is your responsibility to have the device installed in your vehicle serviced periodically to ensure it is working properly.

We understand that having a device such as this in your vehicle is a hassle. For most people convicted of a DUI in CA, it is preferable to the alternative of a full license suspension.

Ensuring you have the best possible representation in your defense on your day in court improves your chances of avoiding a conviction, and this requirement. Please contac our an experienced DUI attorneys. The best attorneys may increase the likelihood of you getting the charges dropped or the sentence reduced, that may avoid this tough penalty.