Courts in Crestview & Defuniak Springs Has Final Say on DUI Interlock Device
An Ignition Interlock is a device similar to a breathalyzer that is sometimes installed on the dashboard of a motor vehicle after a DUI conviction.
The vehicle will not start until the driver blows into the device. If the device detects alcohol on the driver’s breath, the vehicle will not start. At random times after the engine has been started, the device will require another breath sample.
The purpose of this is to prevent someone other than the driver from providing a breath sample. If the breath sample exceeds the ignition interlock’s preset blood alcohol level, it logs it, warns the driver, and then an alarm will go off until the vehicle is turned off, or a clean breath sample has been provided.
Florida Statute 316.193, requires certain drivers in Okaloosa County or Walton County, to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed on every vehicle that is registered to the driver, upon eligibility for reinstatement of a permanent or restricted license.
For a first DUI conviction the Ignition Interlock is only required if ordered by the Court, unless the blood alcohol level is 0.15 or higher or if there is a minor in the vehicle, then it is required for at least 6 months.
On a second conviction, the installation is required for at least one year, unless the blood alcohol level is 0.15 or higher and/or there is a minor in the vehicle, then the requirement is for at least two years.
A third DUI conviction requires the device to be installed for at least two years and four or more convictions requires at least five years. The driver’s license will be issued with a “P” indicating that an interlock device is required. The required time begins on the day the restricted license is issued.
Additionally, the requirement of the Ignition Interlock device is costly, both for the installation as well as the monthly monitoring service.
That is why it is ever important to hire an experienced DUI attorney to be able to challenge this potential sanction from either becoming a condition of sentence or a restriction on your driver’s license.
If you need help, call Lupella & Rehr – the initial call is free.