What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?

Connecticut law is extremely serious about keeping those with drunk driving convictions from being able to harm others. If you have been convicted of a DUI, you would need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car for a certain amount of time. You will not be able to drive if you have been drinking beforehand. The length of time that you need to keep the device depends on whether your conviction was your first. You must be careful to follow the law, or you may face further consequences.

When You Will Need to Install an IID?

For a first DUI conviction, your license would automatically be suspended for 45 days. This period is relatively short compared to other states that impose harsher punishments. However, under Connecticut law, there is a trade-off. You must install an IID in your car and keep it there for one year.

If you have been convicted of a second DUI offense, you would need an IID for three years. For the first year that the IID is installed, you can only drive to work, school, treatment, the ignition interlock device Connecticut service center, or probation appointments. If anyone under the age of 21 were found to have a blood alcohol content of over 0.02 during a traffic stop, they would also need to install an IID in their vehicle.

How an IID Works?

An IID is a small handheld device that is connected to your ignition. Your car will not start until you blow into the device. Think of an IID as a breathalyzer test that you must take as a condition for starting your car. The IID does not necessarily work in the same way as a breathalyzer. The IID would automatically turn off your car in Connecticut if your blood alcohol content exceeds 0.025. In other words, if you have had as little as one drink, you would not be able to drive your car because of the IID. You would need to wait until you can pass the test before driving.

A Positive Test Result Would Result in Your Car Being Disabled

If your car did not start, you would need to wait a certain amount before you can retake the test. Your vehicle may even be turned off if you have tried to start your car numerous times and failed because your blood alcohol content was too high. Be aware that you may be subject to random retests by the IID when you are already operating your car. If you fail the retest, the vehicle will run until you remove your keys from the ignition.

You Must Bear the Costs of an IID

If you are obligated to install an IID in your car, you must pay for the device and its maintenance. An IID is a high-tech device that must be calibrated frequently. You would need to bring your vehicle to the vendor approximately once each month for calibration.

There is no set price for an IID. You would need to work with the vendor, who would determine the price. Some assistance may be available from the vendors if you have a low income. Nonetheless, you can expect that there will be a substantial cost associated with the IID. That is the price for regaining your driving privileges after a DUI conviction.

Contact Our Vernon DUI Lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC for Legal Assistance

If you have been charged with drunk driving, get legal help from our Vernon DUI lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC. We will learn the details of your situation and help you with your path forward. Call us today at 860-872-7741 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We have offices in Vernon, New Haven, and Waterbury, Connecticut, and we serve clients in Tolland County, New Haven County, and Hartford County.