Interlock Violation Consequences – What to Expect

For anyone who has been ordered by a court to install an ignition interlock on a vehicle, there can be concerns about interlock violation consequences. As a measure to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, an ignition interlock device (IID) not only provides a level of security to other drivers and passengers on the road, but it also serves as a reporting tool to help a convicted drunk driver prove he or she has remained sober while still operating a vehicle. Because of the level of trust placed on an IID,  interlock violation consequences can be strict, further establishing the framework for safe and sober driving.

Tampering with, or disabling an IID is a serious offense that will be treated accordingly by the court. If a device has been tampered with, resulting in defective readings or no information on the driver’s level of sobriety, the court will be notified, typically within 48 hours. The drunk driving offender may then face a longer IID requirement, more court fines or fees, jail time or even the revocation of all driving privileges. Other violations, such as failing an ignition interlock breath test, missing a “rolling re-test” or failing to pay for the device’s maintenance each month may result in the same interlock violation consequences as tampering with the device. Additionally, if a drunk driving offender fails the breath test by measuring over the legal .08 BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) limit, the court could see that as another attempt to drive while intoxicated, and subsequent DUI/DWI charges could be levied.

An IID allows a drunk driving offender the privilege of continuing to operate a vehicle in order to maintain employment or assist with family or other obligations in life. Interlock violation consequences are never seen as minor infractions, and by violating a court order, the penalties will certainly increase. Keeping an IID in working order and following the guidelines of its operation is the safest way to maintain a better quality of life after a drunk driving conviction.