Oakland Ignition Interlock Device Lawyer
How Does An Ignition Interlock Device Work?
An ignition interlock device works by requiring you to blow 0.0 into the ignition interlock device to start your car. Your car will not start if you don't. Once you are driving, you will be required to blow into your vehicle every 5-15 minutes and any "fails" are reported to the court.
Oakland DUI Defense Lawyers
If you are arrested and convicted for drunk driving in Oakland or anywhere in the State of California, the judge may order you to install an ignition interlock device as part of your DUI probation. When this occurs, you are required to have this device professionally installed and provide breath samples while you drive. An experienced attorney can help you understand more about these requirements and ensure that you do not violate any of the conditions of your DUI probation.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An ignition interlock device is a mini-breathalyzer that is installed on the steering column of your vehicle. You must have this device professionally installed on every vehicle you own or drive—and that costs money.
How Much Does an Ignition Interlock Device Cost?
The cost of an ignition interlock device runs around $100 for installation and $2.50 a day/per vehicle. In addition, you may need to pay calibration and maintenance fees.
California Ignition Interlock Device Requirements
Some first-time DUI offenders are ordered by the court to install an IID, but it is not automatic. If the defendant is convicted of DUI in one of the “pilot counties,” he or she will be ordered to install an IID, even for a first DUI offense.
The Department of Motor Vehicles began conducting an IID pilot program requiring that all first-time DUI offenders install an IID in the vehicles that they operate.
If you are convicted of DUI (including a first-DUI offense) in these pilot counties, you will be required to install an IID:
- Alameda
- Los Angeles
- Sacramento
- Tulare
In addition to the above, if you are convicted of DUI and you are caught driving on a suspended or revoked license for a DUI conviction, the DMV is required to impose an IID restriction.
24 states in the United States have already passed mandatory ignition-interlock laws aimed at reducing the number of DUI deaths each year. California may be one of those states in the near future if legislation is put into place.
IID for Multiple DUI Offenders
If you are found guilty of a second or third DUI offense, the court may require that you install an IID. If someone is convicted of a second or third DUI in California, they can receive a shorter driver’s license suspension if they install an IID in their vehicle.
If a DUI suspect is convicted of a second or subsequent DUI in California, they may qualify for a restricted license (for alcohol-related DUIs only) if they do the following:
- Install an IID in their vehicle.
- Clear any other suspension or revocation from their driving record.
- Submit the SR 22 form that is provided by their auto insurance carrier.
- Provide the DMV with proof that they installed the IID (Verification of Installation Ignition Interlock form).
- Pay the required fees, which includes a $15 IID restriction fee.
Do IIDs Really Work to Reduce DUI?
Senator Jerry Hill noted that in states that passed this mandatory ignition interlock device law, DUI deaths fell by as much as 43%. Ignition interlock devices are also recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the AAA.
In California, drunk drivers kill more than 1,000 people every year and injure more than 20,000. Mandatory ignition interlock devices could make it more difficult for DUI offenders to continue to break the law and drive impaired. Making these mandatory could also impose heavy financial penalties and challenges on DUI offenders.
Are All Ignition Interlock Devices The Same?
The ignition interlock device is designed so that only you can blow into the machine to provide a breath sample. It is a crime to ask another person to blow into your ignition interlock device, to tamper with the device, or disable it in any way.
The DUI laws in California are constantly changing and DUI offenders face new requirements every year. As such, you need a skilled California DUI defense attorney on your side to fight for your rights every step of the way.
Contact the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed for help!
Our DUI defense law firm serves clients in Oakland, Berkeley, Concord, and Richmond. Call today to set up a free review of your case at (510) 907-6600. Together, we can start building a solid defense against these serious charges. If you are already detained, we are also available for phone consultations and jail interviews. You can also fill out a confidential contact form.
