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Naples, Florida

What is an ignition interlock device?

On Behalf of | Feb 10, 2019 | Drunk Driving

Oftentimes, the return of your driving privileges after having been convicted of driving under the influence in Naples comes with certain conditions. One of those may be to have your vehicle outfitted with an ignition interlock device. The court may often view such a device as an added measure to ensure that you do no find yourself in the position where you may drive while drunk again. 

An ignition interlock device is a tool incorporated into your vehicle that utilizes a hand-held breath tester to determine your blood alcohol content. It will disable your vehicle’s starting mechanism if alcohol is detected on your breath. Typically, you will only have to wait a few minutes before retesting after an initial measurement. However, every subsequent reading that continues to detect alcohol will disable the vehicle for longer periods of time. 

Often, an ignition interlock device will prompt you to perform a random test while you are driving (it will signal this by beeping). If you fail to take the test (or alcohol is detected on your breath) the device can cause your vehicle’s horn to sound and its lights to flash. 

Per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the state has set forth the circumstances in which an ignition interlock device is required. Those scenarios (and the time the device must be used) are as follows: 

  • First DUI conviction (if BAC measures above .15): Six months
  • Second DUI conviction: One year
  • Second DUI conviction (if BAC measures above .15): Two years
  • Third DUI conviction: Two years
  • Four or more DUI convictions: Five years each

You must cover the cost of the ignition interlock device installation. That cost may be deducted from any fines you are forced to pay if you have difficulty affording it. 

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