If you are like the vast majority of people in Arizona, you depend on your car for transportation to work, picking up your kids, running errands, traveling to enjoy the great Arizona outdoors on the weekends, and other basic necessities in your life. If you find yourself charged with a DUI, one of the many punishments the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division and/or courts can order is an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. To sum it up, it’s a major inconvenience, drain on your wallet, and is often embarrassing for people because it is a constant visible reminder of the mistake of driving under the influence.
Spring is here and before we know it summer temps with all the outdoor activities and opportunities to connect socially with friends and family will be back and local law enforcement knows it. Before you get behind the wheel after a day or night of drinking, and avoid driving by any cops, think about how your decisions will impact you and your family should you end up with your first DUI or an extreme DUI. So, here’s our snapshot into life with an ignition interlock device – what it is and how it affects your daily life.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
If you are convicted of Driving Under the Influence, having an ignition interlock device (“IID”) installed in your car may be a condition of probation ordered by the judge.
When you are found guilty of violating the laws designed to keep everyone safe on the roads, there are consequences and many judges want extra assurance that you will not be able to drive your vehicle after drinking alcohol for an extended period of time.
An IID requires a driver to blow into a mouthpiece to test their Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) before they can start a vehicle. It’s essentially a car breathalyzer that is hooked up to the ignition of your car and if it detects alcohol on your breath you will be prevented from operating your car.
The monitoring agency of the interlock device sets the threshold for the BrAC at .02, so if you blow into it and your BrAC is over that you will be stuck in your driveway, parking lot, side of the road, or wherever you are until your BrAC comes down from that elevated state and it’s determined you are safe to control your car.
The interlock device retains and transmits data from the tests and any violations to the department and you will face administrative sanctions through the MVD and criminal court penalties for violating your probation.
The interlock device may also require you to submit additional breath samples at random times while the engine is running.
The Interlock Process
The interlock process typically starts when you have been charged with DUI. You will have both a criminal court and administrative case through the Motor Vehicle Division (“MVD”). While each is totally independent of the other, there is often some overlap in requirements.
Disadvantages of an Ignition Interlock Device
Ignition interlock is NOT something you want to deal with. They are often embarrassing for people because they are visible in their cars. Anyone who is a passenger will see it and witness you blowing into it to start your car as well as at random times while the engine is already running as required by the device. Arizona requires it be installed in your dashboard, along with a camera and GPS. They are expensive, there are often false positives, and they are just a pain to deal with every single day for an extended period of time. Want to know what it’s really like living with a DUI breathalyzer in your car? Read on!
IIDs are expensive
DUIs are expensive and the car breathalyzer cost is hefty. We wrote previously about what a DUI costs in Arizona, and an interlock breathalyzer is just one of many costs you will face. The breathalyzer installation cost is typically $70 to $150 to install it in a car and then the monthly monitoring and breathalyzer calibration fees are between $60-$80 per month.
Continuous retesting
In addition to requiring you to exhale into the ignition breathalyzer before starting your car, the device will also require the driver to provide more breath samples at random times. If a sample is not provided or it exceeds the BrAC level, the device will log the event as a violation, warn the driver, and continue to request another sample until a passing one is provided. Violations include:
Be cautious of what you eat & drink
Intoxicating beverages (beer, wine, liquor, etc.) are the main cause of a positive test result, but alcohols found in other consumer products, food, and beverages can cause false positives as well. Here’s a list of examples:
It takes valuable time out of your day
You have to take time out of your day to make an appointment, get it installed, and then once installed, the interlock system must be calibrated and inspected by a certified installer every 77-90 days. If the device detects any tampering, circumvention, or malfunction, you will be called back to the service center prior to your routinely scheduled 77-90 day appointment. In addition, every time you go to start your car, you need to factor in the time it takes to blow into the ignition breathalyzer before driving down the road to work, picking up your kids from school, or running errands.
Ignition Interlock Device in Arizona FAQs
Getting an interlock device is annoying to say the least, so here are some common questions and answers to help you if you’ve been ordered to get one. Contact our Flagstaff law office if you don’t see your question answered below.
How do you trick an alcohol interlock?
Getting around an interlock for your ignition isn’t easy and is not advisable. However, there are some myths associated with how to do so. Here are some rumors.
- Blowing alcohol-free breath into the apparatus using a balloon.
- Allowing a buddy to blow a fresh breath into the apparatus.
- Disconnecting the device’s wires.
- A penny is being sucked on.
- Consuming mints or chewing gum
- A filter is being blown through.
How much is an ignition interlock device in AZ?
An ignition interlock will cost you between $70 and $100 per month, on average, to lease in the state of Arizona.
Where do I get interlock installation in Arizona?
Interlocks must be installed by MVD-approved companies. Find approved company websites and phone numbers here for service availability and rates in your part of Arizona.
A qualified installer must calibrate and check the interlock device every 77 to 90 days. If the gadget detects tampering, circumvention, or malfunction, you may be summoned into the service center early.
Non-compliant drivers may have their interlock duration extended by the MVD. In certain situations, they may lose driving privileges.
All newly installed, moved, or replaced devices must include a camera, GPS, and real-time reporting as per ARS 28-1462 and A.A.C. R17-5-604, effective July 2018.
Conclusion
The best course of action is to not drink and drive, but of course, we understand that mistakes happen. The state of Arizona has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the country, and one of the harshest penalties that can be imposed is having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for an extended period of time. Do not face the criminal court system and the administrative MVD system alone. Our team of lawyers at Antol & Sherman, PC has attorneys at law with the knowledge, experience, and background needed to help you with your DUI charges. Contact our legal team today for a free case consultation with an attorney to discuss the specific facts of your case and how we can help you. Our firm also represents individuals charged with drug crimes.