Ignition Interlock Devices in Mecklenburg County

An ignition interlock device is essentially a breath test on a vehicle. These are installed so that the driver cannot start their vehicle or continue operating it unless they blow into the device and pass the breath test.

The interlock device works by blowing into the device, and it measures someone’s alcohol the same way that a preliminary breath test or a breathalyzer test does. The vehicle will not start unless the person blows below a blood alcohol content percentage of 0.02 and, as they are driving along the road, the device will call for another test. They must continue to blow into the device as they are driving, and they must maintain a BAC below 0.02.

Ignition interlock devices in Mecklenburg County allow a person to continue to drive following a DUI conviction. Following a conviction, an individual may be eligible for a restricted license that will enable them to drive for the year following the conviction. Without a restricted license, they would have their license suspended for a full year, and they would not have the privilege to drive. Reach out to an experienced DUI lawyer to learn more.

Circumstances Leading to an Ignition Interlock Device Being Installed

In Mecklenburg County, ignition interlock devices are ordered after a conviction of any DUI offense. If the individual following the conviction receives a restricted license in order to continue to drive, they would have to maintain an interlock device in their car for six months without any violations. It is also possible that, if someone does not have a restricted license and is just seeking a restoration of their driving privileges following a DUI conviction, the DMV may require an interlock device to be installed in the person’s car.

If someone has violates the terms regarding their ignition interlock device in the fifth month, they will have to go another six months without a violation before the device can be removed.

Do Ignition Interlock Devices Need to be Installed in Every Vehicle a Person May Drive?

Ignition interlock devices must be installed in every vehicle a person may drive. Anyone driving on a restricted license following a DUI conviction must have an interlock device on any vehicle that they are driving. To drive a vehicle that belongs to someone else during the period of their restriction would make the person risk a new misdemeanor offense.

Paying for an Ignition Interlock Device

The driver has to pay to have the ignition interlock device installed on the vehicle and to have the existing one removed from the vehicle and a new one put on every month so that they can check the data from the interlock device.

The costs of this add up, even if it is a small amount for each month, over six months. It is a substantial cost, especially in connection with the costs of the DUI overall, from court costs to insurance and retaining an attorney.

How an Attorney Could Help

The most important way an experienced attorney could help a person is to defend the original DUI case and help the driver avoid a conviction. Also, a lawyer can be a liaison between the individual and the agency installing the ignition interlock device. If there any complications, an attorney could help defend against alleged violations of an interlock device should they arise.

Call a Mecklenburg County Lawyer About Ignition Interlock Devices

Following a DUI conviction, most people prefer having the interlock device installed in their car even though it is costly and an inconvenience because it still allows them to operate their vehicle. Call today to learn more about ignition interlock devices in Mecklenburg County and how a lawyer could help you.