What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

Home
Local DUI News
State DUI Statutes
DUI Links
DUI Legal News
DUI Articles
DUI Science Articles
Contact DUI-News
DUI Forum

An ignition interlock device, IID for short, is a device that is attached to a vehicle's ignition. It is usually mandated as part of sentencing in a DUI case. It will not allow the vehicle to start if the driver has above a certain blood alcohol content (BAC). It works like a breathalyzer where you have to breathe into the machine and if your alcohol level is above usually 0.02 or 0.04 % then the vehicle is disabled. The IID will periodically check the driver while driving to stop a person from getting a friend to breathe for them. When signaled by the machine to do so, the driver must pull over and provide a breath sample. If the driver is over the pre-set limit while driving down the road the car will make a log of the event, warn the driver then disable the vehicle.

The system has obvious drawbacks. A person could provide the breath samples for the driver as long as they remain in the vehicle while it is operating. One also has to pay an installation fee for the IID which can cost several hundred to a thousand dollars and there might also be a monthly rental fee that ranges from $70 to $100.

There are also many positive aspects to the device. For example, drivers who have the IID installed may often be able to have their driving privileges restored sooner than normal after a DUI conviction. Further, the number of drunk drivers who would have a sober person willing to provide breath samples would likely be small.

In conclusion, Ignition Interlock Devices may play a valid role in supervision of those convicted of multiple DUI offenses. However, it is not, by itself, the answer to preventing driving under the influence. Further, because the devices are relatively new there is not much data available as to whether they are useful in reducing the number of repeat DUI offenders.

 

 

 

© COPYRIGHT 2009 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DUI-NEWS.INFO