Like the majority of states, Florida has ignition interlock requirements for certain individuals the courts convict of DUI. If the courts mandate you to put in one of these devices, you are responsible for the cost of maintaining it.
Depending on your particular situation and sentence, you may need to put in an ignition interlock device for several years following a Florida DUI conviction. It is possible for the State of Florida to mandate you install one even if it is your first DUI.
What is an ignition interlock device?
An ignition interlock device is a machine that an outside company puts in your car. Any time that you wish to operate your vehicle, you must breathe into the ignition interlock device. If the device detects any alcohol on your breath, the car will not start.
The device will also require that you breathe into it intermittently while the car is on. This is so that you cannot consume alcohol while the car is running.
When would I need to install one?
If it is your first DUI conviction, you must put in an ignition interlock device if the court orders it, or if your blood alcohol level was above 0.15 or if there was a minor in the car at the time the police arrested you. For a second conviction, you must have an ignition interlock device for at least one year. For a second conviction with blood alcohol above 0.15 or a third conviction, you must have it for at least two years. For four or more convictions, you must have a device in your car for 5 years.
