A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction is a serious one, and among the many other penalties associated with DUI, chances are you’ll be required to have an ignition interlock device in order to drive after a DUI conviction.
Simply explained, an ignition interlock device is a sort of breathalyzer installed in your vehicle. You must blow into the ignition interlock device before you can drive your vehicle and then periodically throughout the drive.
Currently, Florida law implements the following ignition interlock device requirements:
- First Conviction: Only if ordered by the court.
If the first conviction involved a breath sample of 0.15 or higher, or a minor was in the vehicle, you’ll be required to install an ignition interlock device for at least six months.
- Second Conviction: At least one year.
If the second conviction involved a break sample of 0.15 or higher, or a minor was in the vehicle, you’ll be required to install an ignition interlock device for at least two years.
- Third Conviction: At least two years.
- Fourth and Subsequent Convictions: At least five years.At this point, there may be some hardship license conditions, too. Speak with your DUI criminal defense attorney about such requirements.
Understand that Florida law on DUI convictions and penalties is subject to change. An experienced criminal defense attorney skilled in handling DUI cases can fully explain what requirements you should expect.
Installing an Ignition Interlock Device
An ignition interlock device must be installed at a state-approved facility.
Currently, those facilities are:
- Guardian Interlock
- ALCOLOCK/Interlock Systems of Florida
- Smart Start
You must have an ignition interlock device installed on each vehicle you own and regularly operate.
Your attorney as well as facility employees will explain all costs associated with your ignition interlock device (they’re not free!).
Maintaining Your Driving Privileges
Consider the following when working to maintain your driving privileges with an ignition interlock device:
- Anyone who drives the vehicle must provide a breath sample.
- To prevent circumvention, the ignition interlock device will require additional breath samples periodically throughout the drive.
- Generally, the maximum breath sample – i.e. the amount of alcohol you may have on your breath – to start a vehicle using an ignition interlock device is 0.025; however, a court can lower that requirement.
You will also have regular appointments with your state-approved facility to perform such tasks as downloading information and recalibrating the device. Your installation technician will explain to you these appointments.
Have You Been Arrested for DUI in Florida?
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in the West Palm Beach area, contact the attorneys at Farkas and Crowley. With experience as DUI prosecutors, Farkas, and Crowley have extensive experience with DUI cases and can expertly represent you and make sure you get the best possible outcome. Give us a call today at 561-444-9529 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.