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What is the ignition interlock program?

On Behalf of | Jul 31, 2020 | Firm News

If you receive a DUI charge in Florida, you may qualify for a restricted driver’s license. This type of license gives you permission to drive under certain circumstances with a suspended license. 

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, upon qualifying for a restricted license, you also become part of the ignition interlock device program. You may also have to use an IID once the court reinstates your full driving privileges. 

Program details

The IID program works to implement the law that says you must have an IID in your vehicle if you have driving privileges while under restriction. You must handle the installation of the device yourself by using a service approved by the state. The court will report to the FLHSMV the requirement for the IID. 

Beyond receiving restricted driving privileges, the court may also require you to use an IID for any DUI conviction when your suspension period ends. If it is your first conviction, then it is up to the court whether to require it or not. However, if your blood alcohol level was 0.15 or above or if you had a minor in the vehicle at the time of your arrest, then the mandatory requirement is for at least six months. 

Second convictions require at least one year, but it could be up to two years if you had a minor in the vehicle or a BAC above 0.15. A third conviction requires up to two years, and if you have four or more convictions, you will have to have an IID for a minimum of five years. 

Payment

You must pay all the expenses related to installing and maintaining the IID. If you cannot afford to pay the costs, you may request the court to defray the costs. You must prove you meet income limits to get this order from the court. 

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