Some consequences of a New Jersey DUI/DWI last long after you’ve paid your fines or served jail time. An ignition interlock device (IID) is one particularly inconvenient and costly example. New Jersey law requires individuals found guilty of DUI to have an IID installed in their vehicles, even if it’s their first conviction.
If you’ve been ordered to get an IID, you likely have numerous questions about these devices, including how they work, what they cost, and how long you must use one. The answer to these questions can vary depending on your situation. That said, here’s some general information and guidance.
Ignition Interlock Devices Explained
There are several types of IIDs on the market, but they all work in the same way.
These devices are installed in a car or truck and connected to the vehicle’s ignition system. When you want to start your vehicle, you must first provide the IID with a breath sample by blowing into it. Your engine will start if your detectable alcohol level is below a specified limit.
The IID will also require you to provide periodic breath samples while you’re driving. This serves to ensure that you don’t consume alcohol after you start your car but before you reach your destination. Depending on the device, a failed breath test while driving can trigger an alarm or cause the machine to log the violation.
To discourage drivers from trying to circumvent the IID’s purpose, some of these devices have cameras that take a photograph of whoever is providing the breath sample. This prevents the driver from having a sober passenger give a breath sample while the subject of the IID drinks and drives.
How Does an IID Measure Breath Alcohol?
Unlike Intoxylizer and Breathalyzer machines, which use infrared beams to detect alcohol molecules in a breath sample, most IIDs use fuel cell technology.
The breath sample hits a sensor in the IID, causing an electrical current to travel across the sensor. The device measures this current and determines the alcohol concentration of the user’s breath.
Limitations of IID Devices
When you have an IID installed, you might think your breath alcohol concentration must be 0.00 percent to start and operate your car. However, this isn’t the case — you can still start and drive your IID-equipped vehicle even if your BAC is over 0.00. Each device has a limit, usually around 0.02 percent, below which the vehicle will still operate.
For example, suppose that you go to start your vehicle in the morning after a late night of drinking. Your IID shows a result of 0.01 percent. Your car will likely still operate, although the 0.01 result will still be logged and reported to the court or your probation officer, if applicable.
Installing and Maintaining Your IID
You must have an IID installed in every vehicle you own, lease, or principally use. This includes most company-owned cars if you use them regularly as part of your job. However, there are limited exceptions. Knowledgeable DUI attorney Steven Ellman can explain them to you.
To have an IID installed, you’ll take your vehicle to an approved shop and pay the required installation fee. Setting up the device can take an hour or more, after which the mechanic will instruct you on how your device operates. If the device stops working at any time, you must bring your IID back to the shop for servicing.
Additionally, you must bring your vehicle and IID back to the shop approximately every 60 days to have the device examined. During this inspection, the technician will:
- Ensure that you haven’t tried to tamper with or remove your IID
- Download all data from the IID, including all test results, error messages, and attempts to tamper with the device
- Calibrate the machine to verify that its readings are accurate
- Replace your IID if it appears not to be working correctly
You’re responsible for scheduling these appointments and paying the associated fee. Failing to do so could have legal repercussions, so it’s important to make every effort to keep these appointments.
Have Additional Questions? Talk to an Experienced New Jersey DUI Defense Lawyer
Several situations could result in you being ordered to have an IID installed, including refusing a breath test. Regardless of whether this is your first DUI or you’ve been convicted several times, you need a skilled, aggressive New Jersey DUI defense lawyer to protect your freedom, driving privileges, and reputation.
Contact The Law Office of Steven Ellman today to schedule a consultation if you’ve been arrested and charged with driving under the influence anywhere in the state.
