Ignition Interlock Device For DUIs: What Is It & How Does it Work?

Drunk driving is a global problem, and governments have been implementing strategies to reduce the number of people driving while under the influence of alcohol. Among the strategies employed to combat drunk driving, installing an ignition interlock device for DUIs is proving to be one of the most effective.

Several studies attest to the effectiveness of installing ignition interlock devices (IID), which, among other things, help reduce DUI recidivism and alcohol-involved fatal crashes.

But what is an IID? Here’s everything you need to know about ignition interlock devices.

Ignition Interlock Devices: More Than Just A Breathalyzer

At first glance, an ignition interlock device will remind you of a breathalyzer, a portable device police officers use to draw breath samples from suspected DUI offenders. An IID may be a breathalyzer itself, but what makes it special is the fact that it’s hardwired into a car’s engine.

The following parts make up a standard ignition interlock device:

• Handheld unit
• Mouthpiece
• Relay cord
• Camera (optional)

DUI offenders ordered by the court to install an IID device in their car are required to blow into the device and provide a breath sample before they can start the vehicle. If the device declares that their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below a preset low limit—usually 0.02%—they can start the car without any problems. If the ignition interlock device reads a BAC at or above that preset limit, however, it will prevent the engine from starting, no matter how hard the driver tries.

IID Device Failsafes & Retests

The work of an ignition interlock device does not stop when the driver passes the initial breath test and is able to start the car. After all, the driver could have cheated by letting someone sober provide the initial breath sample. It’s also possible for someone to start drinking while driving.

As a safeguard against such tactics, IID devices also initiate rolling retests, which are random tests that ensure the person driving is not alcohol-impaired. When it’s time for a rolling retest, the device will flash an on-screen notification or beep, which the driver should take as a cue to pull over somewhere safe to do the retest. Some drivers choose to do their retest while driving, though.

For drivers who pull over and turn off the engine before taking the rolling retest, passing it means they can restart the car and drive again, while those who fail it cannot. If they pull over without turning the engine off and fail the retest, their car lights will start flashing, and the car horn will sound off, forcing them to turn their engine off. The same will happen to drivers who do the retest—or fail or refuse to do it—while on the road to force them to pull over and shut the car down.

An Ignition Interlock Device Is Also A Data Recorder

Ignition interlock devices also record data, which monitoring authorities use to determine if the driver is complying with the rules covering IID use or not. Ignition interlock devices for DUIs record the following:

• The driver’s BAC levels
• Performance in startup tests and rolling retests
• Date and time of startup tests and rolling retests
• Skipped rolling retests
• Attempts to tamper with or remove the device
• Failure to comply with periodic recalibration requirement

Violations of Ignition Interlock Devices for DUIs

There is a set of regulations that individuals with ignition interlock devices for DUIs in their cars must follow. Failing initial breath tests and rolling retests, refusing to take random retests, trying to tamper with or remove the IID, or again getting arrested for DUI all constitute a violation of the rules of an ignition interlock program. The consequences of breaching IID regulations may include:

• Extension of IID device installation period
• Permanent lockout after multiple breath test fails
• Revocation of restricted driver’s license
• Reinstatement of license suspension
• The addition of a camera for stricter monitoring
• Possible jail time
• Hefty fines
• Dismissal from IID program

How Much Does An Ignition Interlock Device Cost?

If your DUI sentence includes the installation of an IID, you are bound by law to have one installed in your car at your own expense. Ignition interlock device costs may vary depending on the make of your car and the state-certified IID company that will lease and install the device. It will typically cost you anywhere between $50 and $150 to have an ignition interlock device hooked up to your vehicle.

Aside from the installation fee, you will also have to shoulder the cost of monthly IID monitoring and maintenance, which is also in the vicinity of $50 to $100. Removing the device upon completion of the IID program will cost you approximately the same amount as well.

Contact Our Team for More Information on IID Devices in Canada

Ignition interlock devices are proving their worth in the campaign against drunk driving. While they may also prove to be cumbersome and, in most cases, costly for DUI offenders, IIDs represent the single biggest and most tangible means of stopping drunk drivers from hitting the road. For more information on IID devices and how we can help you remove a DUI charge from your record, contact the dedicated team at Pardons Canada today.

Pardons Canada undertakes all necessary steps and procedures for removing your criminal record, including: Pardons/Record Suspensions, Purges, Photograph & Fingerprint Destruction, and U.S. Entry Waivers.