Drunk Driving Convictions Can Lead to Ignition Interlocks

Drunk driving charges can change your life dramatically. One thing that you might not realize is that some drunk driving convictions result in having to install an ignition interlock on your vehicle.

An ignition interlock is a device that requires you to blow into it before starting your car or truck. It is meant to prevent people from driving drunk. The device measures your breath for alcohol. If the result is higher than a preset amount, the vehicle won’t move. You also have to blow into it periodically during a drive.

If the device tells you to take a sample and you fail to do so, this is recorded and sent into the company responsible for monitoring the equipment. The same thing happens if you blow above the preset limit. The record of the readings is sent to the court or the person appointed by the court.

Drivers who are required to use an ignition interlock device must have the device installed on any vehicle they drive. This means that you have to have one on every personal car you drive. You also have to have one on any work vehicles you drive.

It can be very difficult to live knowing that you can’t just drive whatever vehicle is closest and most convenient. If you do opt to drive a vehicle without an ignition interlock and get caught, you can face criminal charges for this decision.

You also have to factor in the cost of the ignition interlock because you are responsible for all costs. Not only do you have to pay to have it installed, you also have to pay for the monitoring fee from the company.

Source: FindLaw, “Ignition Interlock Devices,” accessed July 27, 2017