So let’s say you’re driving along, and you hear the sirens and see the blue lights flashing. The officer wants you to pull over. So you do, and you turn off the engine. But how is this scenario different? What happens if you get pulled over with an ignition interlock device? Well, it depends on why the officer pulled you over in the first place. But whatever you do, don’t panic, and be polite to the officer.
Just like they would with any other driver, the first thing an officer will do is ask for your license and registration. One glance at your license will show them you have an ignition interlock restricted license. Every state has an ignition interlock law, and one of the requirements is that your restricted license clearly states that you cannot drive without an ignition interlock installed in your vehicle. The officer may also be able to see the ignition interlock device (IID) in your car’s interior. If the officer pulled you over on suspicion of drunk driving, you may be in trouble. But if they pulled you over to tell you that you have a tail light out, or you were speeding, the IID is not a factor.
If You Were Pulled Over for Suspicion of DUI
If the officer pulled you over on suspicion of DUI, they will ask you to perform a field sobriety test, even if they see you have an IID. It’s probably in your best interest to cooperate. They may also administer a roadside breathalyzer test.
You should be able to pass these tests easily if you have not been drinking since your last rolling retest. And we know you wouldn’t do that. In this scenario, your IID can actually help prove to the officer that you are sober. If they still arrest you for DUI, that is a major violation of your restricted driving program. You will want to call your DUI lawyer ASAP.
If you pass the field tests, the officer will likely let you go. And since you shut off the engine, they may hang around to see you blow into your ignition interlock device, pass the test, and start the engine. However, if the officer sees that you have somehow disconnected or tampered with your IID, they can arrest you on the spot. The same goes if you have an interlock restricted license and you are driving a vehicle without an IID installed.
Both of those are not only violations of your restricted driving program, but are also legal violations. This can result in fines, possible jail time, revocation of your license, or all of the above.
If You Get Pulled Over for Something Other Than DUI
If you get a speeding ticket or get ticketed for some other moving violation, of course, that information will be reported to your state DMV/DOT. But if the ticket had nothing to do with drunk driving, it should not affect your restricted driving program. It may affect your auto insurance.
If the officer lets you go with a warning to get a tail light fixed or get your car inspected, you’re in luck. No points on your license, no hassle with the insurance company. And nothing gets reported to the DMV. Sweet! Just be sure to take care of whatever they pulled you over for. Nobody needs the stress of getting pulled over by the police.
Schedule Your Ignition Interlock Device Installation
If you need to get an ignition interlock device installed, ALCOLOCK can help. You can easily schedule your ignition interlock device installation by calling the service location most convenient to you, or call ALCOLOCK at (866) 700-9300. When you pick a service center, keep in mind that where you have your installation done is where you will have your monthly service appointments. So look at the location hours and decide if closer to home or closer to work is a better option for you.
We can usually get your installation scheduled within a couple of days of your call. Your installation appointment will last approximately an hour. During your appointment, the IID technician will physically install the device, and train you on how to use it. They will also show you what all of the lights, sounds, and screen messages mean. Finally, they will schedule your first service visit. Those only take about 20 minutes and are scheduled every 30-60 days, depending on your state requirements.