An ignition interlock device is a machine that is installed in a car and is attached to the ignition of the car. It is designed to make a person submit a sample of their breath into a device that is installed in a car (slaved) in the ignition to determine whether or not there is a presence of any alcohol on that person’s breath or in that person’s blood before they are allowed to start the car. If an individual wants to learn more about ignition interlock devices following a West Palm Beach DUI, they should consult a qualified DUI attorney that could answer their questions.
Purpose of Ignition Interlock Devices
The purpose of ignition interlock devices following a West Palm Beach DUI is to prevent a person from driving while drinking. In addition to having to blow into the instrument before starting the car, the individual also has to blow into the instrument every 15 to 20 minutes while operating the car to make sure that they are not consuming alcohol while they are driving. An ignition interlock device is a tool that is used to lock a person out of a car, to prevent the car from being used or operated, to prevent the car from being started if there is a detection of any alcohol on a person’s breath while they are operating the vehicle.
Why Would Someone Need to Get an IID Installed?
There are several instances in West Palm Beach under which a person would need to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. If this is a first DUI offense with a 0.15 blood alcohol level or above, it is going to be mandatory that they have the ignition interlock device installed on their car. If this is a second-offense DUI, regardless of what the blood alcohol level was or a refusal, it is going to be mandatory that they have the blood alcohol device in their car.
In West Palm Beach, there is a DUI diversion program that requires individuals to have the interlock device in the car. Those are the three circumstances: a first offense with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or above, a second or subsequent DUI regardless of what the blood alcohol level was or if a person is entering into a DUI diversion program.
Duration of Ignition Interlock Device Use
Ignition interlock devices following a West Palm Beach DUI must be installed for six months if it is a first offense. If it is a 0.15 or above and it is a second offense, it is for one year. Of course, it can be longer depending upon court order. We have seen it on for as long as two years. If it is a negotiated resolution into a diversion program, if someone’s on the first level where it is the first offense and they have taken a breath test and they are above a 0.08 or below a 0.15, then the state’s going to require that person to have that in there or the prosecutor’s going to require that person to have it in there for three months. If it is a first offense and the person blew over a 0.15, then it is going to have to be in there for six months. There are different time periods and they are all subject to negotiation except for the DUIs. It is mandatory for the first one for six months. If someone is over 0.15, then it is mandatory for one year if it is the second offense. A skilled DUI attorney could answer any additional questions people may have about the ignition interlock device.
