Ignition Interlock Systems

An ignition interlock system is a sophisticated system that tests for alcohol on a driver's breath. It is a device that requires a vehicle operator to blow into a small handheld alcohol sensor unit that is attached to a vehicle's dashboard. The car cannot be started if a BAC is above a predetermined level (usually .02 to .04 BAC).

Do you or someone you know have an ignition interlock system installed in your car because of a previous charge? If so, contact our experienced ignition interlock drunk driving lawyers in your area today!

Steps for using an Ignition Interlock:

• Get in the car and put on your seatbelt.
• Push the button on your Ignition Interlock.
• Wait for "pass" confirmation message to appear.
• Blow into the mouthpiece.
• Wait for "pass" confirmation messages to appear.
• Place your keys in the ignition and start the vehicle.

Alcohol safety ignition interlocks that meet the standards issued by NHTSA not only require a test to start the engine, but also require a test every few minutes while driving. Called the "rolling or running retest", it prevents a friend from starting the car and then allowing an impaired driver from taking over the wheel. With modern safeguards, alcohol safety ignition interlocks are extremely difficult to circumvent when properly installed and monitored every 30 to 60 days.

When used by the courts or state motor vehicle departments in conjunction with a monitoring, reporting, and support program, the ignition interlock system provides DWI offenders with an alternative to full license suspension. Its use has spread rapidly across the country and as of late, 37 states have enacted legislation providing for its integration into the DWI sentencing process.

The National Transportation Library Integrated Search (TRIS) website published the results of a study conducted by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies (TRB) on the effectiveness of alcohol breath-analyzed ignition interlock systems on the consequent drinking and driving behavior of DWI offenders.  A system was design and used to separate DWI/DUI offenders into one of four treatment groups based on their history of DWI/DUI.  The study found that repeat offenders were more likely to oblige and benefit by having an ignition interlock system in their car.  Eighty percent of DWI/DUI offenders admitted it was embarrassing to have an ignition interlock system installed in their cars.  The study also found that first offenders were more likely to try to circumvent the system as recorded on the device data logger.  In conclusion, the study demonstrated that repeat offenders are the best target population and stand to gain the most from ignition interlock system programs and that ignition interlock systems do provide an immediate deterrent for all DWI/DUI offenders.

Do you or someone you know have an ignition interlock system installed in your car because of a previous charge? If so, contact our experienced ignition interlock drunk driving attorneys in your area today!

Florida Ignition Interlock Program FAQs

Content Related to Topic

• Florida Ignition Interlock Program
  The ignition interlock program affects those arrested and convicted of DUI after July 1, 2002, upon eligibility of reinstatement for a permanent or restricted driver



• NHTSA Urges Increased Use of Ignition Interlocks for Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders
  Judges and prosecutors to consider increasing the use of ignition interlocks as part of a penalty enforced against repeat drunk driving offenders.



• Washington State's Car Ignition System Law
  Description Of Washingtons Car Ignition System Law



• Ignition Interlock Calculations: What Is An Ignition Interlock System
  Description Of What a Ignition Interlock System Is And How It Calculates Your BAC



• Washington State's DUI laws and penalties have changed for driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.
  New laws permit municipal and district court judges to impose additional sanctions on individuals who have been arrested for DUI of alcohol.

Do you or someone you know have an ignition interlock system installed in your car because of a previous charge? If so, contact our experienced ignition interlock drunk driving lawyers in your area today!