California’s Ignition Interlock Device is a newly-popular penalty for DUI offenses in California.
If you receive a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) in California, the list of potential penalties is long. Penalties include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory substance abuse classes. Additionally, some DUI convictions in the state can lead to your required use of an Ignition Interlock device (IID) once you get your license back, or if you use a restricted license. Sometimes, you may also want to install one of these devices, in order to shorten your license suspension period.
What is an IID?
Installed directly into your car, an Ignition Interlock device is a computerized breath analyzer, slightly larger than a cell phone. It connects to the vehicle’s ignition system, and prevents the car from turning on until you have provided a breath sample. You’re able to start your car only when the breath sample shows you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) under a preset limit. If your breath sample shows a BAC over this setting, the car’s ignition will not work. If your breath sample shows a BAC that is under the limit, though, your car will work normally.
Who Requires an IID?
Even for your first offense, a judge can require you to install an Ignition Interlock device in your car. However, this is not a very common occurrence for a first offense. Every once and a while, a person will receive an IID if their BAC is well above the legal limit, at 0.15% or above, or if you refuse to take a BAC test at time of arrest.
There is an exception to this rule. An Ignition Interlock Device is required if the initial DUI arrest occurs in either Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, or Tulare counties. These counties are part of California’s Ignition Interlock Device Pilot Program.
Note that this Pilot Program affects people arrested in these counties, regardless of what county they live in. This Pilot Program ends on December 31, 2015, at which point the California government will decide whether to require the device in DUI cases throughout the state.
Required IID Situations
There situations in which the Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory. The device must be in the car as a mandatory penalty in a few situations:
- An Ignition Interlock device is a mandatory penalty If your conviction occurs while driving when your license has been suspended for DUI. Depending on the exact license violation, the requirement to keep the device ranges between one and three years.
- Additionally, the Pilot Program requires a device installation for repeat DUI offenders: You’ll have to keep a device in your car for a year after a second DUI conviction in either Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, or Tulare counties, for 2 years after a third conviction there, and for three years after subsequent offenses.
- Some people opt to install an Ignition Interlock device in your car for freedom. Doing so will allow you to obtain a restricted license, which lets you drive to, from, and during work, as well as to and from any of your required rehabilitation classes.
Ignition Interlock Device
Installing the device costs around $75 to $100. The costs of installing, removing, and maintaining the device in your car is your responsibility. Once installed, you can’t tamper with it or remove it without authorization – doing so will result in further consequences.
Fight for Your Freedom
Make sure you have an experienced DUI attorney on your side when you fight for your freedom. Call anytime – 24/7 – 365 days a year. Make sure you contact California’s Best DUI Attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm.
If you’re facing a situation where you’re required to install an Ignition Interlock device, or may want to have one installed, call our law office at 1.800.NO.CUFFS.
