Getting Along With an Ignition Interlock Device

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Getting Along With an Ignition Interlock Device

June 27, 2012
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If you find yourself in the situation of having an Ignition Interlock Device, called an IID, installed in your car, there are certain things that you need to know about. Remember, even though it is required in many cases, the IID is still giving you a second chance to get back on the road. San Bernadino DUI lawyer, Stephen Levine offers the following advice for those needing to use an IID.

Follow the Rules to the Letter

With the use of the IID, you may feel embarrassed but it is actually allowing you to drive. Since it is meant to give you that second chance, it is imperative that you follow all rules regarding the IID. If you do not, you risk being arrested for tampering with the IID or for using it improperly.

Make sure you are the only one blowing into the device. There is a camera in many of these devices which records who is driving. If someone else is going to be driving the car, then they have to be driving the entire time or there will probably be a positive result during a random test, which is referred to as a rolling retest. The same driver has to drive continuously because the state doesn’t want you beating the system. If someone without alcohol blows into the device, and then later you start driving with alcohol on your breath, the device will register the difference and know that the system has been tampered with. Don’t try it, it’s not worth it and you can be arrested. You can lose your license for a longer period of time or even permanently in some cases. You may also incur additional penalties. The camera and the IID will give you away.
Do not even think of dismantling the IID. You will be caught and will have to risk arrest and more fines. You also risk losing your license. Some of the penalties you missed the first time around might come into play the second time around. You don’t want to have to worry about possible confiscation of your vehicle. The IID has been installed with anti-tampering devices so that you follow all the rules.
Don’t interfere with the operation of the IID in any way. You risk arrest, driving privileges, and additional penalties.
Make sure to go for the mandatory calibration at the certified installer when either the court or the device itself tells you to go. If you fail to go, it could be viewed as your attempt to cheat the system, which will not be tolerated. You could lose all driving privileges, risk arrest, and risk further penalties.

What If The IID Is Too Embarrassing To Use?

Is the IID embarrassing? It depends on you, but to most people, it is. People will watch you as you blow into the IID, something they may never have seen before. Your use of it depends on how much you want to drive or on how much you need to drive.

Occasionally there may be some ways which can lessen the embarrassment to the user. For example, some installers will permit the part of the IID which you blow into to be below the dashboard of your car. If this is the case, you can duck your head down and blow into the device to start the car. This is not always recommended because you will want the camera to register you as the driver of the vehicle. However, when you have driven with the IID for several months and have been progressing well, you may want to ask to have the device lowered so you are not taking a Breathalyzer for the entire world to see. Even lowering the device a little bit may save you the embarrassment. This way, no one will know it’s in the car except you, your probation officer if any, the installation company and your lawyer. You will not be able to do this, obviously, during a rolling retest, but the IID is less conspicuous when you’re out on the road.

Consult with knowledgeable DUI attorneys who have lots of experience with IIDs and can advise you about what you can and cannot do with the IID in your car. They will understand that the situation can be embarrassing to you and will be able to answer any other questions you have about the aftermath of your DUI case.

Bio:
Georgina Clatworthy has been a legal writer since 2010, producing articles about DUI, traffic offenses and personal injury claims. She is now a contributory writer for DUI attorneys Milligan, Beswick, Levine and Knox.

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