Ignition Interlock Devices in Annapolis DUIs

An ignition interlock device is part of a program in which a person may be required to enroll through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The ignition interlock device is installed in a person’s vehicle, and requires them to breathe into it to start the vehicle, as well as randomly throughout the driving period. If a person is driving a car for over an hour, they may get asked to breathe into the device a couple of times. They must pass the BAC test, otherwise, the vehicle will be disabled.

A good portion of people opt to install the device to get a restricted license, instead of taking suspended time. A straight suspension can risk a person’s job, their freedom of movement, and much more. Ignition interlock is a burden, but it allows a person to drive anywhere they want at any time. To help negotiate the installation of an ignition interlock device in someone’s Annapolis DUI case, a DUI attorney will be essential and can help someone understand the advantages and disadvantages to installation.

Penalties Which Lead to Interlock Devices

A person will receive a DR-15A form, which means that they will be asked to submit to a BAC test. If the results of that test are 0.15 or higher, the person will face a 180-day license suspension or one year of ignition interlock. Generally, the ignition interlock device in Annapolis is in a car for one year.

If the person refuses the test, they could face a 270-day license suspension or one year of ignition interlock, and that is just for first-time offenders. The DR-15A form includes all this information and can serve as a person’s temporary license for only 45 days. The individual has 10 days to request a hearing, as long as there are no substances involved. The program must be completed successfully. If a person fails out of the program, they have to wait for thirty days and then start over again completely.

Purpose of Interlock Devices

The MVA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) believe installing ignition interlock devices in Annapolis DUI cases makes for a helpful tool to keep drunk drivers off the road. It means that the driver in the vehicle will not be causing any accidents on the road due to intoxicated driving.

The device connects to the ignition system to start a person’s vehicle and to keep the vehicle running as long as a breath analysis is done to measure the BAC content of the driver. That prevents the vehicle from starting or being driven if the calculated alcohol content in the breath exceeds the legal calibrated limit of 0.025 (though, ideally, it would be zero).

The person who owns the vehicle is responsible for paying for that installment as well as a monthly fee for system maintenance, After this monthly maintenance report, where the system is checked and recalibrated, a report is generated and submitted to the MVA.

Advantages

The main advantage of the ignition interlock device is that it allows a person to drive even while on a probation period, and they can drive anywhere. If a person wanted to drive from Maryland to Florida and back, as long as they are back in time to have their calibration day at the place that they have supposed to and does it in a timely manner, there will be no issues.

However, interlock ignition devices are very strictly regulated, and it must be understood that there are a lot of rules a person must follow. Information about the device and how to use it should be read carefully, and if anyone had more concerns on the regulations and advantages of an ignition interlock device when issued after their Annapolis DUI case, they should work with an experienced DUI attorney to be sure of all of the correct information.

Failing a BAC

This limit is so low that there is often concern that hand sanitizers, mouthwash, and other products with traces of alcohol could result in a false positive. To correct this problem, the system is calibrated and installed by a certified MVA company, of which there are only six in the state of Maryland.

A person’s job is not to fail the BAC at all. If a person fails on the first blow with their ignition interlock device after a DUI in Annapolis, the system will count down from 300 seconds or will give the person the five-minute window within which time they must give a second breath, or the try will automatically be registered as a fail.

If a person does receive a fail, the MVA will extend the person’s time with the device by one month. If a person fails three times, they will receive the last warning, and after four times, stricter action will be taken. The person will typically have to start all over again from the very beginning or take a suspension.