San Francisco DUI Lawyer California DMV Hearing Attorney

• Introduction
• What To Do First
• Elements of the Offense
• BAC Calculator
• Misdemeanor DUI Case
• Criminal Jury Trial
• Criminal Court Punishment
• Alternative Sentencing
• Sentencing Enhancements
• Refusal Cases
• Felony DUI Case
• Medication Cases
• Drug Cases
• Federal DUI Case
• Out-of-State Drivers
• Drowsy Driving
• Post-Conviction Relief
• Ignition Interlock Devices
  • What is Ignition Interlock?
  • IID Technology
  • Court Ordered Installation
  • Settlement Negotiations
• Motorcycles, Boats, Planes
• California Highway Patrol
• California DUI Resources

Ignition Interlock Device

A breath alcohol ignition interlock device (IID) is a mechanical device like a breath alcohol test which tests for alcohol on a driver's breath. An IID is installed in a car so as to require a driver to breathe into the device before the car may be started and driven. If the driver's breath alcohol concentration (BAC) is over the programmed limit the ignition of the car disabled and the car will not start.

The U.S. Government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a " Conforming Products List" of breath alcohol devices approved for law enforcement use. Interlocks that meet the NHTSA standards not only require a test to start the engine, but also require a test every few minutes while driving - a "rolling or running retest." This type of test prevents an individual other than the driver from starting the car and then allowing an impaired driver to drive the vehicle. (NHTSA guidelines for most regions call for only one subsequent test). Ignition interlocks can be difficult to circumvent when properly installed and monitored regularly.

The amount of time an individual is required to have ignition interlock on his or her car varies based on prior convictions and probation conditions. California is among the states which require an ignition interlock device of some people who are convicted of driving under the influence or driving with a suspended license following a DUI conviction.

These are the steps for using an Ignition Interlock Device:

• Get in car and fasten seatbelt.
• Push button on Ignition Interlock Device.
• Wait for confirmation messages to appear.
• Blow into the mouthpiece.
• Wait for "pass" or "fail" confirmation messages to appear.
• If "pass", place keys in ignition and start vehicle.

Home > Bay Area DUI > Ignition Interlock Devices > What is Ignition Interlock?