An “Ignition Interlock Device” (IID) is wired to your vehicle’s ignition. It works like a Breathalyzer…it requires your breath sample to measure your blood alcohol level before the engine will start. If the IID detects alcohol on your breath, the engine will not start. As you drive, you are periodically required to provide breath samples to ensure the continued absence of alcohol in your system. It is illegal to ask someone to breath into the IID for you.
Although IID’s are usually ordered to be installed into a person’s car if they are repeatedly drinking and driving, it can sometimes, under special circumstances, be ordered upon the first DUI conviction. However, there is a new “pilot-project” that went into affect in July of 2010 that says that that every individual convicted of a first-offense California DUI in Los Angeles, Alameda, Tulare, and Sacramento counties must install an IID on any car he/she drives.
When the court orders the use of an IID, you must have one installed by an authorized installer and provide proof of the installation to the court. The court has special forms and procedures to monitor drivers that are ordered to have this device installed. After the court notifies the DMV, the DMV marks your driving record so law enforcement officers are aware of the requirement if you are stopped. DMV will also place a restriction on your driver license. If you fail to comply with a court-ordered IID restriction, the court will notify DMV and your driving privilege may be suspended until you comply with the court order.
According to California Penal Code, the DMV is required to impose an IID restriction on the driving privilege of a person convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license for a DUI conviction.
Effective July 1, 2010, drivers are now allowed shorter suspension periods for a second or third DUIs if they install an IID and receive an IID restricted license after a mandatory suspension period, if the most recent violation did not involve the use of drugs.
The International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety maintains that IIDs, when combined with a monitoring and service program, lead to a 40-95% reduction in the rate of repeat drunk driving offenses among offenders as long as the IID remains on the vehicle. If the pilot-project shows to be a deterrent, it will likely be implemented in all of California.
