Smart Start of California Ignition Interlock Devices

A driver’s license suspension is what’s known as a “mandatory action” after a California driving under the influence conviction or an unsuccessful DMV hearing. Drivers convicted of DUI / DWI in California often must use an ignition interlock device in order to get their licenses reinstated after a suspension or to meet the requirements of probation. An experienced drunk driving defense lawyer from The Kavinoky Law Firm can answer any questions about the role ignition interlock devices play in driving while intoxicated cases and settlement negotiations.

Ignition interlock devices are machines installed in a vehicle that prevents a car from starting if the driver cannot provide a breath sample that’s within certain preset levels – usually no alcohol at all. The device uses the same type of breath-testing technology used by police in drunk driving investigations.

In order to use an ignition interlock device, or IID, the driver must learn a specific breathing technique to properly blow into the collection tube and start the vehicle. The device also requires periodic rolling re-tests in order to keep the vehicle in operation. This is designed to ensure that the driver is the same person who provided the alcohol-free breath sample to start the vehicle. The device records every breath sample as well as any attempts to tamper with it. In California, it is a criminal offense to tamper with a court-ordered IID or provide a breath sample for a driver in order to start the vehicle.

The use of ignition interlock technology is becoming more and more common in California driving under the influence cases. While at one time the ordering of ignition interlock devices was optional in repeat-offense DUI / DWI cases, they are now mandatory for multiple-offense drunk drivers.

A judge can even order the use of an ignition interlock device in first-time drinking and driving cases. The order is much more likely in cases where the driver refused a chemical test or had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .10 percent or greater.

The use of an ignition interlock device is often a mandatory condition of having a driver’s license reinstated after a mandatory action suspension. The use of an ignition interlock device reassures the court and the California Department of Motor Vehicles that the drunk driver is less likely to re-offend when the device is correctly installed and used on the vehicle.

Smart Start is the nation’s leader in providing ignition interlock devices to convicted drunk drivers and anyone else who can benefit from the technology. The knowledgeable staff at Smart Start of California can answer any questions about ignition interlock technology and can provide prompt professional service from 12 locations throughout California. Contact them today at 1-800-880-3394 or www.SmartStartofCalifornia.com.