When you are convicted of a DWI or DUI, there are many requirements that you have to meet. One of these may be an ignition interlock device installed on all of the cars that you own. This device is installed on the vehicle(s) that you own at your own cost, which means that the car will not start unless you breathe into the device and do not have alcohol on your breath. Clean breathe that is free from alcohol will unlock the car’s engine to allow you to drive. This is a very important part of meeting license reinstatement requirements or fulfilling your sentence that has come about through you making the choice to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Where do you get an ignition interlock device? Your DMV will have an ignition interlock device company that they normally work with. By using a company that they recommend, you will be able to ensure that all of the paperwork is filed and you meet the requirements that you are under. Installing this device will take about an hour to do from start to finish, including how to work the device and then the paperwork will be filled out for you to take to the DMV. A lease will be required and this, as well as the installation, will come out of your own pocket and can be a significant expense to you on a monthly basis.
How much will an ignition interlock device cost me? The installation of an ignition interlock device will cost you in the range of $200. Then you will pay a monthly rental fee on it, which is around $75 per month. If you have to keep it for 36 months, the total cost will be $2900. This is quite a lot of money, but it may be the only way for you to get your license reinstated and be able to get back on the road to go to work, school, or to the store. This is a small price to pay to get your license back and it can keep you honest in your quest to quit drinking or to not drink while you are driving.
What are the benefits of an ignition interlock device? It is a great device to ensure that you are honest with yourself and with others and are not driving while under the influence. To start the car, you have to blow into the device to unlock the engine and allow you to start it. In addition, your device may give “rolling” tests periodically to be sure that you have not been drinking. While it will not shut off if you fail the rolling test, the horn may honk and the lights may flash on and off until the car is shut off as an added incentive to make sure that you stay out of the car when you are drinking. A computer chip will keep a record of all of these tests and it can be checked at any time by the courts.
If you have been charged with a DWI or a DUI, you will find that there are lots of hoops for you to jump through as far as sentencing. While you will most likely have your license suspended, have a jail sentence, and pay fines, another part of your sentencing or to reinstate your license, may be the installation of an ignition interlock device. This device can help to keep you from driving while you are under the influence of alcohol to help to keep you safer and those who are on the road with you safer.