DUIs are criminal offenses taken rather seriously because of the potential consequences. Whenever a person commits multiple DUIs, chances are that they’ll have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. If you’ve never heard about the IID in the past or you’re not aware of how to use it, the following list of frequently asked questions about ignition interlock devices will shed some light on the situation.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
IID refers to a car breathalyzer that gets installed inside the vehicle. A breath sample has to be submitted every single time that the driver gets inside the car. If the driver refuses to give a sample or if they’ve consumed alcohol, the IID will prevent the vehicle from starting.
Depending on the type of device being used and the specifics of the offense, the IID may require periodic retesting during the use of the vehicle.
On top of that, the IID has a memory where important information is recorded. The log will usually feature data about the number of times that the engine has been started, the breath test results, and missed retests.
Are IIDs Effective?
This is probably the most important question to ask. Can the installation of such a device prevent DUIs? Are there statistics about the results obtained after the introduction of the program?
According to some statistics, the installation of IIDs reduces the chance of repeat offenses in the future by 67 percent. States that have introduced IID programs have all reduced DUI fatalities. The percentage varies from 20 to 52 percent, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers reported.
Currently, about 22 percent of the people who have committed a DUI have a device installed in their car. About 90 percent of the individuals who have an ignition interlock device in the car report that it has been very successful in preventing them from getting behind the wheel after the consumption of alcohol.
How does the Installation go?
If you’re wondering whether you can install the IID on your own, the answer is no. Only an authorized professional can install the device and take it out of the car. Apart from being put inside the vehicle, the IID will also have to be synced with a national database for the purpose of collecting important data about the driver’s behavior.
Attempts to take the device out of the car or interfere with its functionalities will be recorded in the log. A complete vehicle lockout is the most typical outcome of attempting to do something to the IID.
Usually, a person will be given an installation appointment after their DUI. The installation of the device takes about two hours because syncing and calibration will be required for the sake of accuracy.
How Often is the Device Serviced or Changed?
IIDs may result in some inconvenience because they necessitate regular servicing.
An interlock device will typically have to be serviced once every 60 days. If a violation has been committed, more frequent servicing may be required.
Whenever the device is not being serviced according to schedule, it will go into lockdown mode. This means that regardless of the situation and the results of the driver, they will be incapable of starting the car.
When will IID Removal Take Place?
Checking in with the respective authority is the only way to find out whether you’re eligible for the removal of the device from your car.
Keep in mind that driving under suspension without the device is illegal. If you are required to install a device and use it for a certain period of time, you should definitely do so. Otherwise, you face much more serious legal consequences than the sanctions after committing the DUI. If frequently asked questions about ignition interlock devices do not cover your query, consult experienced DUI lawyers.