Ignition Interlock Device: A Consequence of a DUI Charge

If you have ever been to Scottsdale in Arizona, you know how beautiful this place is. The lively city is surrounded by the breathtaking Sonoran Desert.

The city also shares its borders with the McDowell Mountains to the east, Tonto National Forest to the north, and Phoenix to the west.

However, the problem of DUI is still a persistent issue here. Driving while intoxicated is a problem in Scottsdale, as it is in many other American cities, and it can have serious repercussions.

The offender’s responsibility to install a DUI Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their car is one such punishment that you need to know about!

Hi. In today’s blog, I will be talking about what this device is all about. Additionally, I will talk about how the IID functions as a critical component of DUI penalties in Scottsdale and its legal implications for drivers.

So, if that is what you want to know, keep on reading this blog till the end, and thank me later!

What Is a DUI Ignition Interlock Device?

While this idea might sound relatively new to you, a DUI Ignition Interlock divide or IID is becoming more common than ever.

It is a breathalyzer that is put in your car to prevent you from drinking and driving. Once this tool is installed, the driver cannot start the car before blowing into this device just like any other breath analyzer.

The DUI ignition interlock breath test is attached to the car’s ignition. Therefore, in other words, you will only be able to start your car and go about your day after the gadget determines your blood alcohol content (BAC) level.

Additionally, if, by chance, the BAC exceeds the preset level, which is typically 0.02% or lower, the car will not start.

Furthermore, just in case you wanted to know, random retests may also be necessary while driving to confirm the sobriety of the driver.

A Scottsdale DUI lawyer can help individuals understand IID requirements and navigate legal challenges related to DUI convictions and ignition interlock mandates.

How Does DUI Ignition Interlock Work?

Did you know that after installing the DUI ignition interlock device, the number of cases of driving under the influence offenses saw a dip of about 70%? Yes, you read that right!

This is why almost all the states have now started implementing IID programs. This has been helping them to manage and monitor DUI offenders.

As a part of the Impaired Driver Accountability Program (IDAP), law enforcement fits the gadget in the car’s motor to those who have been arrested for drunk driving.

In this way, these individuals are able to keep certain privileges and do not have to lose their license completely.

But how do they work? Let me explain.

The IID or DUI ignition interlock device works with the help of fuel cell technology. It helps detect the presence of alcohol. In a way, it is very similar to the way a normal breathalyzer works.

These devices are primarily electrochemical in nature and have a catalytic electrode made of platinum. When the surface of this electrode comes in contact with alcohol, a chemical oxidation reaction takes place.

As a result of this reaction, it generates an electric current which the IID measures. Eventually, it converts this into the alcohol level that we can see on the display of the device.

What Happens If You Fail the DUI Ignition Interlock Test?

Now, there are times when you might fail the test. But guess what? It is very important that you are careful with the device. Let me tell you why.

Not everyone is getting the IID. It is especially for those who have been put under the IDAP program.

While they monitor your performance, it is essential for you to understand that there are only limited chances you will get to redeem yourself.

If you have blown into the device and the BAC has been more than .025, you will automatically fail the test. But, you will still get two more chances. In that case, you will be able to retry the test. If you pass, you will be able to start your car.

You see, these gadgets can malfunction at times. These are not 100% accurate. This is the reason why the State laws recognize the fact that there can be false positive results.

However, if you fail for the third time within a window of 15 minutes, the DUI ignition interlock device will automatically record the violation of the law. 

Legal Requirements for IID Installation in Scottsdale

When it comes to the places having the strongest DUI laws in the country. Arizona is definitely one of them. And Scottsdale follows these rigorous standards.

In case you were wondering about the legal requirements of installing this device in Scottsdale, let me tell you something.

For first-time DUI offenders whose BAC levels are 0.08% or higher, the court typically mandates the installation of a DUI ignition interlock for at least six months.

The required installation period can extend to one or two years for repeat offenders or cases involving extreme blood alcohol concentration levels of 0.15% or higher.

Refusing to install an IID can result in additional penalties, including license suspension or revocation.

How a DUI Ignition Interlock Impacts Daily Life

Installing an ignition interlock device can significantly affect a person’s daily routine. Drivers must plan extra time to complete the breath test before starting their vehicle.

Random retests while driving can also be inconvenient, especially during long commutes or in high-traffic areas. The device records all test results and is regularly reviewed by authorities.

Any violations, such as failing tests or attempting to tamper with the device, may increase IID requirements or other legal implications.

Financial Costs of a DUI Ignition Interlock

In addition to the inconvenience, an IID has costs.  The costs of installation, monthly upkeep, and removal are borne by offenders.

Over the necessary time frame, these costs can easily mount up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

This financial strain serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with drunk driving for a lot of people.

The Role of an IID in Rehabilitation

The ignition interlock device has both a rehabilitative and a punitive function.

By forcing drivers to stay sober in order to operate their vehicles, the IID promotes responsible behavior. Additionally, it lowers the possibility of repeat violations.

Some people may see a sea shift in their drinking and driving behaviors as a result of this forced sobriety period.

Wrapping It Up!

In conclusion, you might think at first that installing this DUI ignition interlock device is nothing more than a hassle and inconvenience. However, it is only a matter of time before you realize how important this device is.

Ultimately the primary goal of this device is to improve public safety and discourage impaired driving. Additionally, it also serves the purpose of assisting police in monitoring repeat offenders and others facing DUI charges.

For anyone facing a DUI arrest, it is critical to grasp the legal requirements, financial repercussions, and daily hassles of an ID.

The device serves as both a penalty and a tool for rehabilitation. It reminds drivers of the serious consequences of their actions and encourages safer choices in the future.

Read Also:

• What Is An MIP Charge? A Comprehensive Guide
• A Step-By-Step Guide To Posting Bail For DUI Arrests
• Know What Happens When You Get a DUI and How to Get Out of It!