Ignition Interlock

Ignition Interlock

If you were arrested on or after November 18, 2009, for Driving While Intoxicated (“DWI”) and you are convicted of DWI (and sentenced on or after August 15, 2010), you will be required to install an ignition interlock device (“IID”) in any vehicle that you own or operate for a minimum of 6 months. This also applies to certain Penal Law offenses where an alcohol-related violation is part of the crime. The ignition interlock will be a condition of your sentence and the Court must order you to install and maintain the device as a condition of probation or conditional discharge (condition is still imposed regardless if you are licensed to operate the vehicle).

IID Defined

The IID is a device installed in your vehicle, which you blow into and it measures your blood alcohol level. It connects through your vehicle’s ignition system, and prevents the vehicle from starting until you have provided an appropriate breath sample. In addition to the initial breath sample to start the vehicle, you are required to submit to rolling tests within 5 to 15 minutes, and then to random rolling tests not to exceed every 30 minutes.

What happens if you test positive?

If you provide a positive breath sample, your vehicle will not start. The IID will then call for a retest within 5 to 15 minutes of the positive breath sample. A failed start-up retest or missed start-up retest will lead to your vehicle not working. If this occurs, you must have the device serviced within 5 calendar days to avoid your vehicle becoming inoperable. Also, you will be required to have the device serviced within 5 calendar days if you: (1) fail/miss a second rolling test after having failed/missed the initial rolling test; or (2) miss a service visit with the company that installed the device.

Installing the IID

If you are convicted of DWI, you will be required to install the IID within 10 business days of sentencing and provide proof of installation within 3 business days to the Court, county probation department, and/or any other designated monitor. You will not, however, be able to lawfully operate a motor vehicle without an IID after you are sentenced. Accordingly, the IID should be installed prior to sentencing if you want to be able to drive that vehicle away from Court. In addition, the failure to provide proof within 3 days of installation is a violation of the terms of your sentence and may lead to your being re-sentenced to harsher terms.

Cost of installation

You will be responsible for both the cost of installing and maintaining the IID in any vehicle that you own or operate. The cost of the Interlock for the minimum period of 6 months may range from $600 to $800, or more. The IID is in addition to any fines, surcharges or other costs imposed by law.

Employer-owned vehicles

If you are required to operate a motor vehicle owned by your employer, for work related purposes, you must meet certain conditions to operate the employer vehicle without an IID. Other than that, it will be a crime for you to drive any vehicle that does not have an IID.

Penalties

You will be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if you are convicted of:
(1) Requesting, soliciting, or allowing another person to blow into a Court ordered IID in your
vehicle;
(2) Tampering or bypassing a Court ordered IID;
(3) Operating a motor vehicle without an IID after being subject to one pursuant to a Court order. VTL 1198(9).

Who may not be required to install an IID

If the charge of DWI is reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired (“DWAI”) then you are not required to install an IID in your vehicle. Also, it does not apply to people convicted of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, nor people convicted of Driving While Ability Impaired by the Combined Influence of Alcohol and Drugs.

Please feel free to contact our office for additional information with respect to the Ignition Interlock Device program, as well as any other questions you may have at (518) 456-6456.