The Ignition Interlock Device for DUI Prevention

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a tool that is used to prevent people from driving under the influence of alcohol. An IID is a mechanism that is installed to a motor vehicle’s dashboard and will act as a breathalyzer to determine if the driver is capable of getting behind the wheel based on their BAC (Breath Alcohol Content). While some states order drivers to get an ignition interlock device if they have previous DUI convictions, having one installed could be helpful just to make sure you are safe to drive and don’t make any unsafe decisions.

Here’s how the IID works: Before a person can start their vehicle, they must breathe into the device as if they are using a breathalyzer. The IID measures their BAC, and if it is over the allowed amount, which varies between states but is commonly .02% to .04%, than the engine cannot be started.

As of 2009, almost all 50 states have laws that permit the use of IID’s as a sentencing alternative for drunk drivers, or as a condition of driving again after a suspended license resulting from a DUI.

In Georgia, upon conviction of a second DUI the violator’s license is suspended for at least 18 months. For the final six months of the license suspension the driver is required to have an IID installed in any vehicle that they intend to use once they are re-licensed.
It is almost impossible to fool the IID, and I’m sure many have tried. The engine will not start if a person attempts to use a mechanical tool in place of their breath or if the device is tampered with in any way. Having a sober friend blow into the device before you drive will also fail; at random times once the engine has been started the device will ask for additional breath samples.

If you are ordered to have an IID installed, you will have to pay for all the fees, which include installation, renting, maintenance, and calibrations. The installation typically costs from $100-$200. The monthly rental fee typically costs from $70 to $100. Thus, here is yet another expense that can be associated with DUI. For more on the sobering costs of driving under the influence, which was the topic of my last blog post, please click on the link.

The IID has proven effective in California, where data shows that with repeat DUI offenders, the use of IID is associated with reductions in succeeding DUI incidents. However, with first time DUI offenders that had high blood alcohol levels the IID has not shown as much success.