Rizio and Nelson California Law Blog

In California, some DUI offenders are obligated to mount an ignition interlock device (IID) onto their automobile. An IID is a breath-testing mechanism about the size of a cell phone that is mounted into a vehicle’s steering column. The IID forces an individual to supply a sober breath sample prior to a car’s ignition being started.  A test result over .30 BAC will not crank the vehicle.  The IID will be mounted on the vehicle and must stay there for the complete time it is mandatory. Anyone who decides to drive the automobile must breath into the device in order to start the ignition. Random breath samples are required sporadically while the automobile is in motion to avoid a sober friend starting the automobile then switching places with the non-sober driver. Inability to give a sample or a sample over the obligatory BAC level (.05) will cause the sounding of alarms. Three minutes will be permitted between sample and alarm. Therefore, if it is dangerous to give the sample while driving, the driver will be granted sufficient time to carefully maneuver off of the roadway to blow into the mechanism before the alarm sounds. The mechanism will on no account immobilize the vehicle, so that collisions may be avoided.

The IID will be mounted on all automobiles that the DUI offender possesses and drives on a usual basis. IID’s are not mounted on motorcycles in the state of California.  The IID must be mounted on the automobile for the required time period, or the DUI offender’s driving privileges will not be restored.

IID’s are mounted at specific ignition interlock service centers. The DUI offender is liable for the installation fee as well as recurring monthly payments.

IID’s are intended to prevent any interference. Attempts to interfere with or evade the mechanism will cause obligation of additional penalties.  Under California statute 23247, it is illegal to request or solicit another person to blow into the IID or to start a car equipped with such a device.

For more information about ignition interlock devices and how they could have an effect on you, contact an attorney at the law offices of Rizio and Nelson right away.