Ignition Interlock Devices and How They Work

 

Every state across the country has various penalties associated with DUI convictions. Penalties can include fines, time spent in prison, suspended license and more. One item that has gained widespread use among DUI judges is the use of the ignition interlock device.

 

Basic Definition

 

An ignition interlock device is a small apparatus placed on an automobile’s dash. It is very similar to a Breathalyzer. The operator of the car must first breathe into a tube connected to the device. The device will then determine the person’s blood alcohol content (BAC). If the BAC registers above a specific value the device will prevent the car from starting.

 

How an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) Works

 

Many times the IID device is placed inside the glove box or underneath the dashboard. Once installed it is connected to the automobile’s ignition.

 

Before attempting to start the automobile the person must blow at least 1.5 liters of air in the handheld device connected to the ignition interlock. The machine takes the air and measures it for the presence of alcohol. If the BAC is too high, the car won’t start. Different states have different levels that they deem as safe. The usual range is between .02% and .04 %. This is very logical since the federal definition of DUI is a BAC of .08% or higher. Obviously, based on these tolerance levels, people can see that it is not illegal to drink and drive. It is only illegal if someone has drunk excessively.

 

Besides the breath test conducted before the car will start many of the ignition interlock machines are set up to administer random tests once the car is in motion. The test may occur 5 minutes after the vehicle has started or it may be 30 minutes or anywhere in between. If the BAC registers too high then it sends a signal out to the car. The car may begin blowing the horn or flashing the lights or sound an alarm if present. However, the car does not shut off since that could cause an accident. The purpose of these “rolling tests" is to prevent a sober person from breathing into the machine and allowing the intoxicated person to drive.

 

The ignition interlock is also equipped with a memory device that keeps record of all the tests and BAC levels. The memory device can produce a report that can be used by police officers and lawyers to prove or disprove an argument. Most courts require the defendant to report to the installation center monthly so that the data can be retrieved and stored.

 

Manufacturer and Installation

 

Several different companies produce ignition interlock devices. Each one has similar capabilities and functions. All of the manufacturers have developed various means to avoid any outside interference from users. Some of the devices include time restrictions to prevent people from operating the vehicle at certain hours as prescribed by the judge.

 

A person convicted of a DUI will have to pay all associated costs of the ignition interlock device. This includes the initial setup and installation of the item on the person’s vehicle. Costs for these procedures ranges from $50 to $200.

 

After the installation the machine must be maintained on a monthly basis. This may include calibrating the machine, downloading the data from the memory device or other similar tasks. The monthly costs usually vary from $50 to $100.

 

Most courts look at the monthly maintenance schedule with a watchful eye. Since most of the machines have to be calibrated either monthly or every other month it is very important for the defendant to stay on track with the maintenance schedule. A failure to keep the machine in proper working order can be seen as a failure to comply with a judge’s orders and lead to more severe penalties.

 

Purposes of the Ignition Interlock

 

Most DUI judges use the ignition interlock device as a way to monitor people after they have their driver’s license reinstated. The typical defendant will have to keep the device for at least 12 months after their driving privileges are reinstated. For repeat DUI offenders, or for individuals whose actions resulted in serious property damage or injury to another person, the length of time for the interlock may last longer than 12 months.