If your case ultimately ends up in a guilty plea or conviction, you may have to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle.

What is an IID?

An IID is a small machine which is connected to the steering column in your vehicle.

Once it in installed, you must blow into it prior to starting your car.  If you blow into the device and it detects alcohol, your vehicle will not start and the incident is recorded onto the device and eventually reported to the Court.

If there is no alcohol detected from your breath, the vehicle will start, and you will be prompted to submit another breath sample after 5-10 minutes, then about every 45 minutes after that.

Once a month, you must take your vehicle to the IID servicer to upload the data recorded on the device (the device records how many times you start your vehicle and your blood alcohol level each time you blow into the device).

The IID cannot be manipulated.  The cord connecting the device to your vehicle is short, so it cannot be used by someone in the backseat or passenger seat.

It requires the user to hum and breathe deeply, ensuring that it is getting a sample from a person.  It also records any attempts at tampering or removal.  Some models include a camera to capture an image of the driver blowing into the IID.

Who is required to get one?

A judge can order anyone who is convicted of an offense involving impaired driving to have an IID installed for up to three years. In some counties, defendants must get an interlock installed for four months after their first offense.

If you are facing your first offense and you refused to provide a blood or breath test, or your blood alcohol level was over .15 (twice the legal limit), you will most likely have to have an IID installed.

The law in California requires that anyone who is convicted of a second or subsequent DUI must have an IID installed, and the amount of time it must remain in the vehicle depends on how long the probation sentence is and how many prior DUIs the defendant has.

Generally, the IID must be installed in every vehicle you drive.  There are some exceptions for work vehicles and motorcycles, but in general, those ordered to have an IID installed must use a vehicle with the device installed for the duration of their probationary period.

Call Beahm Law Today

If you have been arrested for DUI, contact the lawyers at Beahm Law.  We can evaluate your case and work hard to prevent you from having to install an IID on your vehicle. Call us today at 844-811-5444