If you’re reading this article, you have a basic grasp of what an ignition interlock device (IID) is. Essentially, it’s an in-car breathalyzer that is hooked into your vehicle’s electrical system. If you pass the breath test, you can start the car like you normally would. If you fail the test, the car prevents you from starting it. But there’s more to it than that. Today, we take a look at what can cause a violation on an interlock device.
Your ignition interlock device is a highly sensitive piece of equipment that keeps track of a lot of things. It records just about everything. And at each of your service visits, if not sooner, your IID technician downloads all of the recorded data, and then makes it available to your monitoring agency, which may be the courts, your parole officer, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or all of the above. All 50 states have ignition interlock programs. While the specifics of who has to get an IID installed may vary from state to state, what is considered a program violation is pretty standard.
So just what can cause a violation on an interlock device? Well we can tell you it has more to do with just passing or failing the start-up test. If you have to have an IID installed as part of your state’s restricted driving program, there are many possible program violations, including:
- Refusing or failing to get the device installed
- Driving or even attempting to drive a vehicle without an IID
- Failing one or more startup tests
- Failing a rolling retest
- Missing or intentionally skipping a rolling retest
- Asking someone else to take the breath test for you
- Tampering with or attempting to remove the IID
- Not going in for a service visit or recall visit
- Not paying your IID service provider
- Being charged with another DUI
- And more, depending on where you live, and your specific program rules
Your state may also put limits on when and where you can drive. For instance, you may only be allowed to drive during daytime hours. And you can only drive to work or school, substance abuse treatment, or interlock service visits. Your paperwork will lay all of that out for you. Driving outside those set limits would also be considered a program violation.
Penalties for Interlock Device Program Violations
Penalties for an interlock device program violation(s) depend on what state you live in, as well as how many DUIs you have had. For some violations, your state may give a second, or even a third chance. But some states are stricter, and will penalize you for the first violation. You can generally find the specific penalties for your state on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Transportation (DOT) website. They may also be listed in your paperwork.
Penalties the DMV or courts may impose can include:
- Increasing the length of time you must have the IID installed
- Starting your time of installation over, even if you were almost done with the program
- Revoking your restricted license
- Ordering the removal of the device and your dismissal from the program (which means you lose even your restricted driving privileges)
- Reinstating your full license suspension period
- Fining you
- Revoking your parole, depending on the violation
- Giving you jail time, depending on the violation
- And more
States take their interlock device programs seriously. That’s because they know ignition interlock devices reduce drunk driving. If you take the program seriously and abide by the requirements, you should be able to finish your restricted driving program in the shortest time possible, with no additional legal fees or fines.
Schedule Ignition Interlock Device Installation
If you had a DUI and now you’re required to get an ignition interlock device installed, ALCOLOCK is ready to help you get back on the road. The first step towards using your new restricted license is getting the device installed by a certified vendor. ALCOLOCK is certified in states across the country. To schedule your IID installation, just call the service location nearest you to set up your appointment. You can also call ALCOLOCK directly at (866) 700-9300. You can speed up the whole process if you have your ignition interlock program paperwork with you.
Once we’ve confirmed your eligibility for the program, in most cases we can give you an installation appointment within 48 hours of your call. You should plan on having someone drive you to your appointment, which should last about an hour. That time includes the technician installing the IID in your vehicle, training you in how to use it, and explaining what all of the sounds, lights, and messages mean. And before you go, we will schedule your first service visit. Those usually only last about 20 minutes.