What Your Maryland Ignition Interlock Termination Really Means

9Sometimes, you don’t know a good thing until it is gone. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in Maryland, you’re probably not excited about your ignition interlock requirement. But, after you realize you’re still allowed to drive around while maintaining your sobriety behind the wheel, maybe you can relax and get through the time requirement as quickly as possible.

Then, you are notified that you are no longer authorized to use an ignition interlock device, and that you are terminated from the program. Now, you can’t legally drive, and you’re relying on friends and public transportation to get you around. Suddenly, your ignition interlock wasn’t so bad… but, why were you terminated from the program?

You violated the requirements of the Maryland ignition interlock program.

Maryland law states that if you have four ignition interlock violations, you will be removed from the program. These violations include:

• A positive test for alcohol through the breathalyzer.
• Any attempts to circumvent or tamper with the device.
• Too few attempts to start your vehicle within a reporting period.
• Refusing a “rolling re-test” while your vehicle is in motion.
• Missing an ignition interlock service appointment.

There are worse things than having an ignition interlock requirement after a DUI conviction, like having that privilege revoked, as well as your license. Blowing into the device and maintaining your sobriety is a much better way to get through your DUI conviction than just blowing it off, especially considering you’re only affecting your own freedom in the process. An ignition interlock device is seen as a compromise in many cases when you’ve already shown bad judgment and were convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. The device isn’t the worst thing that could happen to you after a DUI, but, the regrets over losing your ignition interlock privilege could be.