On June 14, 2013, Tennessee became the 18th state to require Ignition Interlock Device (IID). The requirement for such installation is for a person to (a) to be convicted with a DUI and (b) with a blood alcohol level of .08% or more. Tennessee will start instituting the new law in their state on July 2, 2013. Upon convictions thereafter, first time offenders will be required to install the device in their cars. The IIDs are installed in the car and require the driver to blow into the device before starting the car. If the IID registers the driver as over the legal limit, the car will not start.

In a press release from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) on June 5, 2013, it was stated that studies reported overwhelming evidence that a large majority of first-time DUI offenders have driven drunk many times before, averaging roughly 80 driving and driving instances before they are convicted. With the institution of the IID, the device will deter a person whose alcohol level is above the legal limit from driving.

MADD has been an advocate to bring education and awareness about driving and driving to the public. The founder of MADD is a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver. One of MADD’s objectives is to “Eliminate Drunk Driving.” Thus, at the passage of the Tennessee bill on June 4, 2013 MADD’s representatives were there to share the joy.

CALIFORNIA IID LAWS

An ignition Interlock device is a device that is installed on an automobile’s dashboard. Prior to turning on the vehicle, the driver is required to exhale into the device. The device is programmed to detect if the alcohol content of the driver is above the programmed alcohol concentration level.

In 2010, California passed two provisions that require “certain” DUI offenders to install the ignition interlock device (IID) in lieu of receipt of a restricted driving privilege. The provision applies to some cases and is usually under the court’s discretion.

  • The first provision is the AB 91 program. This program applies in some CA counties which require ALL DUIs to install IIDs.
  • The second provision is the SB 598, gives those who are DUI offender’s to be able to receive a reduced amount of time to wait to receive a restricted CA license. It is important to note that this applies to certain cases with the agreement of the installation of the IID.

Commencing July 1, 2014, per the above rules, California will require a person to have an IID to be installed for a certain time period. The time frame required would be based on how many times the offender has been convicted of a DUI. This new bill uses the previous 2010 provisions with added additional conditions.

The pros to IIDs are that they give the offender another chance, as well as helping public safety. However, violation of the terms can lead to steep penalties such as jail time, and loss of license and or vehicle. If you have questions about IIDs in Riverside or any of the surrounding communities of Southern California, or if you wish to discuss your DUI case, please contact a Riverside DUI lawyer from The Law Offices of Scott Henry today.