How Do Ignition Interlock Devices Work?
Beginning July 1, 2010 all motorists convicted of even first time DUIs will be required to install ignition interlock devices in order to drive. This will be required in 4 California counties as part of a pilot program. The counties involved are: Los Angeles, Alameda, Sacramento and Tulare. An ignition interlock device is a computer based instrument that is installed in the car. In order to turn the car on, the driver must blow into the device and must have a .03 or less BAC (blood alcohol content). If the driver fails to blow into the device or blows into it and has a BAC greater than .03 the car motor will not turn on. For a first time DUI conviction, the defendant will have to use the ignition interlock device for 5 months. A second conviction will result in the driver being forced to use the device for 1 year. The defendant convicted of a DUI will have to pay $75 for the device to be installed and must maintain it which costs approximately $50 a month. If the court finds that the d
