A conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol in Georgia can carry a variety of penalties, such as jail time, fines, and probation. If a driver is arrested more than once for DUI, they risk having a ignition interlock device installed in their vehicles as a way to prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol again. Willis Law Firm explains everything a Georgia driver needs to know about having an ignition interlock device installed and how to ensure you comply during this time to avoid additional penalties.
What do you need to know about ignition interlock devices?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a machine that prevents a driver from starting their car if they have consumed any alcohol. Similar to a breathalyzer used by law enforcement to determine impairment, a driver will blow into the IID and have their BAC read. If there is alcohol detected on the driver’s breath, the car will not start.
To use an interlock ignition device, a driver must:
- Pay to have the device installed on their car by a certified installer
- Blow into the attached mouthpiece and have their BAC analyzed
- Either drive their car without any alcohol in their system or wait to sober up
Who gets an IID?
A driver that has been convicted of two or more DUIs in Georgia may find themselves with an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle. This will generally occur after their license suspension period has ended or if they are issued a restricted driver’s license to drive to school and work. Sometimes, this device must be installed before a driver is able to have their license reinstated at all.
What happens if you cheat an IID?
Some drivers may think they can trick the IID into allowing them to drive by having a sober person blow into the device to allow the car to start. Many IIDs involve a built in security system which will periodically require the driver to pull over and blow into the device again. If this test is failed, it will be reported to law enforcement and the driver will face severe penalties for attempting to bypass an IID.
If a driver is required to install an ignition interlock device on their car, they will be doing so at their own cost. They will be expected to pay the initial cost of the installation and for its regular use, which is typically a monthly fee.
The Willis Law Firm knows that ignition interlock devices are a huge financial burden for any Georgia driver. We offer free consultations for Georgia drivers that wonder how our firm can help them fight against having an IID installed on their car.
