An ignition interlock device (IID) is a small, handheld device that prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver has alcohol in their system. These devices are frequently part of the penalties for DWI (Driving While Impaired) convictions. The purpose of the IID is to ensure that a person who has been convicted of a DUI or DWI does not operate their vehicle while intoxicated, protecting both the individual and the public from potential harm.

How Does an Ignition Interlock Device Work?

The IID works by requiring the driver to blow into a breathalyzer before the vehicle can start.
The device measures the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and if the driver’s BAC is above a pre-set limit, the vehicle won’t start. In some cases, drivers may be required to provide breath samples at random intervals while driving to ensure continued sobriety. This prevents someone from bypassing the device by having someone else blow into it for them. The goal is simple: to make sure that anyone convicted of a DWI or DUI is not driving while impaired.

When Are Ignition Interlock Devices Required?

In North Carolina, ignition interlock devices are required for certain DWI offenders based on the severity of the offense. If you have been convicted of a DWI with a BAC of .15 or higher, or if you have been found guilty of a second or subsequent DWI offense within seven years, you will likely be required to install an IID in your vehicle. These guidelines are meant to ensure that individuals who have demonstrated a serious disregard for the safety of others by driving while intoxicated are monitored closely.

The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the courts enforce this requirement.
It is part of an effort to reduce repeat offenses and ensure that individuals who have been convicted of a DWI are no longer a danger on the road. The IID acts as a safeguard, allowing individuals to maintain their ability to drive but under stricter supervision. This requirement also applies to individuals convicted of a second or subsequent DWI offense within a seven-year period, making it clear that North Carolina prioritizes public safety when dealing with repeat offenders.

How Much Does an Ignition Interlock Device Cost?

One of the main concerns people have when they are ordered to install an IID is the hefty costs involved. The driver is responsible for all expenses related to the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of the device. The cost of an ignition interlock device can vary, but it generally includes several key expenses.

The initial installation cost for the IID usually ranges from $70 to $150, depending on the provider and the vehicle. A deposit may be required, as well. Once installed, there is a required monthly fee for the maintenance and monitoring of the device, which typically ranges from $60 to $90 per month.
This fee covers regular checks to ensure the device is functioning properly and that no attempts to tamper with or bypass the system have been made.

In addition to these costs, there may be a fee when the IID is removed after the court-mandated period, which can range from $50 to $100. While the overall expense may seem significant, it’s important to remember that these devices serve an important role in promoting safe driving. The cost is ultimately paid by the driver as part of their legal penalties, and it is meant to encourage responsible behavior after a DWI conviction.

How Long Is an Ignition Interlock Device Required?

The length of time you are required to have an IID installed in your vehicle depends on the details of your DWI conviction. In most cases, the IID must be used for at least one year, but the duration may be extended if you had an exceptionally high BAC or if there are multiple DWI offenses on your record.
For first-time offenders whose BAC was below .15, an IID may not be required at all, but for those whose offenses are more severe, the device could be installed for up to several years.

The court and the DMV determine the length of time the IID will remain in your vehicle based on the severity of your offense and whether you are a repeat offender. In cases where a driver is required to use the device for a longer period, regular monitoring and reporting are required to ensure that the court can track driver compliance and sobriety over time.

What Are My Responsibilities?

If you are ordered to install an IID, the first step is choosing a provider from a list approved by the North Carolina DMV. After selecting a provider, you will schedule an installation appointment. The installation process typically takes one to two hours, during which the device is connected to your vehicle’s ignition system.

Once installed, you are responsible for ensuring that the device is maintained and regularly calibrated. The IID must be inspected periodically by the provider to verify that it is functioning properly and recording accurate data. This ensures that the court or the DMV receives the information needed to confirm that the offender is complying with the court’s orders. The cost of these inspections is included in the monthly fee you pay for the device.

During the time you are required to use the IID, you must follow all rules regarding its use, including providing a breath sample each time you start the car. Failure to comply with these rules can result in additional penalties, including fines or an extension of the time you are required to use the IID. Tampering with or attempting to bypass the device could lead to even more severe consequences, including jail time.

Can You Avoid Installing an Ignition Interlock Device?

In North Carolina, avoiding an IID is unlikely if you meet the requirements for installation, such as having a BAC of .15 or higher or being a repeat offender. These devices are required by law in certain cases to protect public safety. However, in some instances, with the help of an experienced DWI attorney, you may be able to explore legal options for reducing the penalties associated with your conviction. In rare cases, this could include the possibility of avoiding the IID requirement altogether.

That said, for the majority of drivers convicted of DWI, the IID is a non-negotiable aspect of their penalties. Complying with the IID requirement is not only necessary for regaining your driving privileges but also shows the court that you are committed to responsible driving. Failing to comply can result in serious legal consequences, including an extended IID requirement or the revocation of your driver’s license.

Contact Our Experienced DUI Attorneys

Dealing with a DWI conviction and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device can be overwhelming, but you’re not in this alone. The hard-working, skilled, and experienced Johnston County DWI / DUI defense lawyers at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law, have a proven track record of success in defending clients facing DUI and DWI charges. We understand the complexities of IID requirements and can help you through every step of the process. For more information or to
schedule your free consultation, contact Reece & Reece today.