Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are relatively high tech pieces of equipment that tie into your car or other vehicle’s electrical system. While most vehicles on the road today can have an IID installed, not all cars can be fitted with an ignition interlock device. This is especially true of older model vehicles, including classic cars and antique cars.
That’s because your car’s electrical system must meet a minimum standard — usually any vehicle that has a 12-volt electrical system or better meets that standard. And since the 12-volt system became the automotive industry standard back in 1955, chances are good you have nothing to worry about when it comes to installation.
Now, if your classic Chevy is the only car you own, it is possible to upgrade the electrical system to be compatible with an IID. That would be an outside expense, and not included in the installation and maintenance costs f your ignition interlock device program.
ALCOLOCK is a pioneer in ignition interlock devices, and we pride ourselves on being able to help everyone who contacts one of our service centers. If you have concerns about your vehicle, give us a call.
If You Have Another Vehicle, Install the Ignition Interlock Device In It
Every state in the U.S. has ignition interlock laws on the books, but each state has different requirements. Some states require you to get an ignition interlock device installed in every vehicle that is registered to you. You’ll want to check with your DUI lawyer and your state’s DMV to make sure you are following your state’s ignition interlock program. Your older vehicle or a car driven exclusively by someone else may qualify for an exemption.
If you have an older vehicle where an ignition interlock device can’t be installed, you could let a family member drive that car, and get the ignition interlock device installed on another family vehicle, which would be the vehicle you drive during your restricted driving program. Again, be sure to consult with your DUI lawyer and your state DMV to ensure you are fulfilling the requirements of your state’s program.
ALCOLOCK technicians are skilled in installation, and we’re aware of the state laws, but we don’t have law degrees, and we don’t pretend to offer you legal advice.
You Can Share a Car With an Ignition Interlock Device
If you only have one car in your family, you will have to get the ignition interlock device installed on that one vehicle. Other people can drive the car, but they will have to blow into the device and pass the breath test before starting the vehicle, just like you do. If someone else will be driving the car on a regular basis, it’s important that the ALCOLOCK technician trains them how to use the device properly.
This training is free, and can help ensure the person does not accidentally fail the test or cause a lock out. Remember, every time someone takes the breath test, whether it’s before starting the car or during a rolling retest, the device records the test results. Those results are then sent to your monitoring agency — so they know if you failed a test or skipped a test. What they don’t know, unless you inform them and ALCOLOCK, is that there is a second driver on the car. You will want to keep track of precisely when this other driver uses the car, and they should also be careful to never attempt to drink and drive.
Driving a Car Without an Ignition Interlock Device is a Major Program Violation
You might be thinking — this is such a hassle. Why don’t I just skip getting the ignition interlock device installed? Or maybe I can just borrow a friend’s car. Think again.
If you have a suspended license due to a DUI or DWI, and you’ve been ordered to install an ignition interlock device on your car, and ordered to use it every time you drive, failure to install it or driving a vehicle without an IID is a violation of your program. All states take drunk driving and their ignition interlock programs very seriously. Penalties for failure to install an IID or driving a vehicle without one may include:
Financial Penalties
You may be hit with a fairly big fine — say $5000. And then you’ll also need a DUI lawyer, because you will face criminal charges for ignoring a court order. You probably already know, a good lawyer isn’t cheap.
Your License Suspension Increases in Duration
All states will add to the time your driver’s license is suspended. This could be months or years of additional restricted driving privileges, depending on your initial offense.
You Could Face Jail Time
Again, state laws vary, but driving with a suspended license is one criminal violation, while ignoring the IID installation order is another criminal violation. If you are a repeat offender, the judge could lock you up to teach you a lesson.
So bottom line, it’s not a good idea to ignore the requirement to install an ignition interlock device on your car. The sooner you comply with the program, the sooner you can get your full driving privileges back.
ALCOLOCK Ignition Interlock Devices Keep You On the Road
At ALCOLOCK, our ignition interlock devices meet all state and federal requirements for the restricted driving programs. Installation is easy, and regular monitoring of your progress puts you one step closer to getting your full driving privileges back. Call us today at 866-700-9300 or use our contact form to schedule your IID installation.