Orange County DUI Ignition Interlock Devices
Drivers convicted of an Orange County DUI face several potential consequences from the court, including fines, jail sentences, restricted driver’s licenses, and, for multiple offenders, the installation of an ignition interlock device. Most states, including California, have laws providing for either the discretionary or mandatory use of ignition interlock devices for repeat Orange County DUI offenders. An Orange County Drunk Driving Defense Attorney can advise about the availability of ignition interlock devices in individual cases.
If you are ordered to have an ignition interlock device, you will have to show proof to the court of its installation. The ignition interlock device is a sophisticated system attached to a vehicle’s ignition that measures alcohol concentration in the driver’s breath. This device is designed to prevent drivers with a measurable amount of alcohol in their systems from operating vehicles. It is a small device located inside the vehicle, near the driver’s seat, that requires the driver to blow into a handheld alcohol sensor unit.
If the device detects blood alcohol content (BAC) that exceeds a pre-set amount, usually .02 to .04 percent BAC, the vehicle will not start. To prevent tampering, manufacturers of ignition interlock devices have created safeguards to ensure the system’s effectiveness. The devices are usually installed with shrink tape that reflects any tampering.
Additional safeguards to prevent Ignition Interlock Device Tampering
Most devices document the times the device was removed from the vehicle’s power source, the date, time, and BAC recorded during each test, and any attempt by the user to bypass the system’s safeguards. Many devices require repeated testing every few minutes while driving, commonly referred to as a “rolling retest” because people have tried to bypass the system by having a sober friend start the car. The rolling retest feature is designed to prevent the driver from having a sober friend start the vehicle so that the motorist can drive while intoxicated.
Benefits of installing an Ignition Interlock Device
Although a driver may consider the device an initial hassle, the ignition interlock devices benefit DUI offenders and their families along with the general public. The lives of convicted drunk drivers and of others who use the vehicle can remain relatively undisrupted in terms of traveling to work, picking up children, and running errands.
Studies have repeatedly shown that ignition interlock devices are effective. These systems allow repeat offenders to avoid vehicle impoundments and complete suspension of driving privileges. Without the device, many repeat offenders continue to drive on suspended or revoked licenses, which greatly increase the risks of jail time if caught.
Studies also have shown lower recidivism rates among those persons who have ignition interlock devices installed. Recidivism refers to the likelihood of re-offending. When used by the courts or state DMVs in conjunction with a monitoring, reporting, and support program, the ignition interlock system provides Orange County DUI offenders with an alternative to full license suspension. Their use has spread rapidly across the country.
As of 2004, 43 states enacted legislation providing for the integration of ignition interlock devices into the DUI adjudication and sentencing process. Although en element of punishment, ignition interlock devices have proven to be valuable tools that allow repeated Orange County DUI offenders to retain driving privileges. An Orange County Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer can evaluate each case to determine whether the device is an appropriate alternative to a suspended driver’s license.
