After being arrested and convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, most people are required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. Here’s what you should know about it, why it might be more dangerous, and how a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you.

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device? 

An ignition interlock device, or IID, is a breathalyzer test attached to a person’s vehicle, generally someone who has been convicted of a drunk driving offense. Before starting or continuing to operate the car, the driver must blow into a mouthpiece on the device. 

If the driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is higher than what has been court-ordered, the device stops the signal from the ignition to the starter, preventing the automobile from starting or the driver from continuing to operate the vehicle.

Testing Your BAC During “Rolling Retests” 

Now, most ignition interlock devices have what is known as a “rolling retest” requirement. This is done to ensure that the driver has not started drinking after they got in the vehicle and passed the first interlock test. 

Once the driver has started their car, the device will randomly require them to submit to additional breath tests throughout the ride. If the driver does not pass these rolling retests, the car will begin flashing its lights and sounding the panic alarm, which will force the driver to pull over and stop the vehicle. The car will not restart until after the driver passes another test. 

While seemingly a good idea, rolling retests have been found to increase driver distraction and put everyone on the road at risk. Many sober drivers who were fumbling with an IID to pass a rolling retest have caused an accident, in some cases resulting in the critical injury or death of other involved parties. 

Having an IID installed in your vehicle is generally unavoidable if you are convicted of drunk driving, however, there are numerous ways to defend against this charge and hopefully bypass a trial altogether. If you are not found guilty of a DWI charge, you will not have to get an IID and can focus on staying safe and sober on the road.  

How to Fight Getting an Ignition Interlock After a DWI 

You can fight being forced to have an IID installed in your vehicle after a drunk driving arrest by hiring an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney. Contact Richard Brueckner today for a consultation by calling 410-430-1464.