If you’ve been convicted of DUI, or if you refused to submit to a breath test or blood test, chances are good you will be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. All 50 states and Washington DC have ignition interlock laws that spell out who has to get an IID installed and for how long. But while each state differs on the rules of their restricted driving program, they all agree that the consequences of driving without an ignition interlock device are pretty serious.
Because you see, when the courts or the DMV order you to do something (or not do something), when you disobey that court order or administrative order, you are breaking the law.
Possible Consequences of Driving Without an Ignition Interlock Device
So you’ve had your court proceedings, you’ve paid your fines, and possibly, you’ve spent some time in jail because of your DUI. Now you’re ready to get your life back to normal. In most states, that means applying for an interlock restricted license and getting an ignition interlock device installed. You are then only allowed to drive a vehicle that is equipped with an ignition interlock device. Generally, that is your personal vehicle. You cannot drive a friend’s car or a rental car that is not equipped with an interlock device.
The consequences of driving without an ignition interlock device can cover a range of penalties, including:
- Fines ranging up to several thousand dollars
- Revocation of parole
- New attorney’s fees
- Jail time
- Substantial increase in the length of your license suspension
- Impoundment of the vehicle you are driving, whether it is yours or not
- Facing another DUI charge
- And more
Additional Penalties if You Never Install the Ignition Interlock Device
Generally, you have 30 days to install the IID after you are approved for a restricted license. The state keeps track of when you get the ignition interlock device installed. An ignition interlock installer is required to notify the state every time they install a device. So if you never have it installed, the courts and the DMV will know. Failure to install the device as required can result in additional penalties, including:
- Contempt of court charges
- Fines
- Jail time
- And more, depending on your initial offense
Getting an ignition interlock device installed is simple and easy. And while it may be inconvenient at first to comply with the program rules, doing so will ensure you complete the restricted driving program as quickly as possible. The consequences of driving without an ignition interlock device simply aren’t worth trying to cheat the system.
If You Have an Employer Exemption
Nearly half the states have what’s known as an employer exemption when it comes to ignition interlock device requirements. If you drive a company-owned vehicle as part of your job, and your employer agrees to let you keep driving it, they have to sign an employer exemption. This states that they are aware that you have the interlock restricted license, but that they give you permission to drive their company vehicle for work purposes. You cannot get an employer exemption if you own part of the company, or own the vehicle.
You must keep paperwork with you at all times that shows your employer’s exemption. If you got pulled over in the company vehicle and an officer sees your restricted license, but no IID in the vehicle, you could face charges. But if you show the officer your exemption paperwork, you would be in the clear, as long as you hadn’t broken any traffic laws, and weren’t driving drunk.
Schedule Your Ignition Interlock Device Installation
ALCOLOCK is ready to help you with your ignition interlock device installation. We have ignition interlock device installation locations in states all across the country. Simply call the service location most convenient to you to set up your appointment. It’s important to remember that where you get the device installed is where you will take your vehicle in for all service visits. You can also call ALCOLOCK directly at (866) 700-9300.
You’ll want to pick a day and time for installation where someone can drive you and your vehicle to the appointment. If another person will be driving the vehicle while you have the IID installed, they should come with you.
Installation appointments typically last about an hour. That includes the time it takes the technician to physically install the device in your car, as well as the time it takes to calibrate the device and train you and anyone else how to use it. Your technician will go over what all of the lights, sounds, and messages mean. And don’t worry — you will get a user’s manual to help you if you forget something. Finally, you will schedule your first service visit. Those are generally every 30 days and each visit lasts about 20 minutes.