There are many potential penalties associated with drunk driving convictions. Motorists are at risk of losing their driving privileges. They may have to spend time in jail. They can also expect financial expenses, including fines and court costs.
For many people, driving is a necessary part of daily life. They need independent transportation to reliably make it to work on time and to take care of their familial obligations. In some cases, drivers can regain limited privileges after a drunk driving conviction by agreeing to install ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in their vehicles.
IIDs are essentially breath test devices that people use before starting their vehicles and while driving to verify that they are not under the influence of alcohol. There are several important rules drivers need to be aware of before they install an IID in a vehicle.
Drivers must cover all costs
With occasional exceptions for those with limited resources and family responsibilities, the state generally expects a driver to pay for the IID installation on their own behalf. They also have to present the vehicle regularly at a state-approved vendor for inspection, maintenance and calibration of the IID. Those costs can add up, especially if the driver must keep the IID in their vehicle for many months or if they regularly drive more than one vehicle.
Drivers can’t operate other vehicles
Motorists who regain their driving privileges via the installation of an IID can only legally drive a vehicle with a test device installed. If they get caught operating a vehicle without an IID, they could be at risk of additional consequences. They could face additional penalties, including a longer driver’s license suspension. A motorist subject to an IID requirement cannot drive a friend’s car or a company-owned vehicle without an IID installed in it.
Drivers shouldn’t try to trick or bypass testing
There are a number of ways that people might seek to manipulate an IID. They might have someone else perform the breath test, for example. Modern devices now generally have cameras installed so that authorities can affirm who actually performed the test. A driver might try to remove or disable a testing unit if they know they are unlikely to pass the test, and they could be at risk of losing their driving privileges or facing additional penalties for doing so. Generally speaking, drivers cannot attempt to bypass or tamper with the testing unit without putting themselves at risk of secondary consequences.
Understanding the rules that govern the IID program can help drivers make informed decisions when facing drunk driving charges. Fighting a charge and avoiding license suspension are often better options than coping with months of restricted driving privileges after a conviction.