Your Ignition Interlock Device May Tattle On You

Drinking and driving is a terrible idea in the Grand Canyon State, mainly because Arizona has the toughest DUI laws in the country. If you have a blood alcohol concentration above the state’s 0.08% legal limit, you face a variety of consequences. A not insignificant one is having to install an ignition interlock device on every vehicle you operate.

Interlock devices are small machines that connect directly to a vehicle’s ignition system. Before you can start your vehicle, you must provide a breath sample. If the sample indicates that your BAC is too high, you cannot drive where you need to go. Your interlock device does not only stop you in your tracks, though. On the contrary, it may tattle on you.

Device installation

After a DUI conviction, you have 30 days to provide verification to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division that you have installed an interlock device on your vehicle. If you fail to do so, you may receive a suspension of your driving privileges. Furthermore, you may have to keep the interlock device on your vehicle for an additional year.

Device monitoring

If you have an interlock device in your vehicle, you must realize that state officials monitor its usage. That is, the device manufacturer sends electronic reports to the state. These reports include evidence of the following:

•         Attempted tampering
•         Attempted avoidance
•         Failure to comply
•         Positive readings

The MVD receives reports from the interlock company every single day. Therefore, you simply cannot hide improper conduct. If a report shows that you did something wrong, you can expect the MVD to extend your interlock requirement for an additional six months or longer.

Like many of your neighbors in the Mesa area, you must drive to work and other places every day. Not only may losing your driving privileges be tremendously inconvenient, but it may also put your livelihood in jeopardy. By understanding how to stay out of trouble with your interlock device, you boost your chances of keeping your driving privileges intact.