Am I Eligible For An Ignition Interlock?
If you or someone you care about has been arrested for a Maryland DUI, tough consequences are possible. One example is that in the aftermath of an arrest, many find themselves facing a drivers’ license suspension, which can make it difficult to impossible for you to manage your daily commitments. If this is true for you, you may be interested in an ignition interlock program that allows you to drive.
Established over 30 years ago, the ignition interlock program is a way for some drivers who have been arrested for a Maryland DUI or DWI to be convicted of their offense but still drive under specific conditions. Talk to an experienced Baltimore DUI lawyer about if an ignition interlock device, sometimes referred to as an IID, is an option for you.
What Is an IID?
A breathalyzer installed in your car, an IID prevents your vehicle from starting if you have been drinking alcohol. It is a device connected to your vehicle’s ignition, you need to blow into it before your car engine will engage. If you provide a breath sample that contains alcohol above a preset level, your car will not start and the vehicle can’t be driven.
Additionally, if an IID is installed on your vehicle, you may be required to blow into it while the vehicle is running. This is in place to ensure that a driver is not drinking alcohol while operating their vehicle.
Who Enrolls In the IID Program?
The IID program is desirable for a lot of people. After all, it allows them to continue driving, with supervision by the device, after a drunk driving arrest. Sometimes using an IID for a set period of time is a term of an individual’s probation. IID use could also be connected to a person having a poor driving record or being a repeat offender of driving under the influence.
To enroll in the program, the following should be true:
- Your Maryalnd drivers’ license can’t be currently canceled, revoked, or suspended.
- Enrolling in the program must take place within 30 days of a suspension order. Then, your license will be surrendered and an IID system will be installed by an approved party.
How long the IID will remain on your vehicle will depend on the details of your circumstances. Generally, a test refusal will lead to an IID for one year. Also, timeframes extend for repeat offenders. Generally, after a DUI conviction, an IID could be present for six months for first-time offenders, one year for second-time offenders, and three years from any offenses after two.
Is It Free?
No, there are costs connected to IIDs. For instance, there could be monthly fees for device maintenance, installation charges, and costs connected to licensing. A skilled Baltimore DUI lawyer can outline your options forward with you and share the costs of each choice.
Do you want to continue driving after a drunk driving arrest? Explore the IID option, talk to the legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. Contact us to book your fee-free consultation appointment.
