Courts in the State of North Carolina are beginning to increase the implementation of court orders requiring those who have been charged with DWI to install an ignition interlock device in his/her vehicle.
The IID is connected to the ignition system of the person’s vehicle, and prior to starting the vehicle; the offender must submit a breath sample into the device, which detects alcohol. Therefore, if there is any alcohol present on the breath of the driver, the device will fail to register and the car will not start.
Next, while the driver is operating the vehicle, the device will force the offender to submit random breath samples. If the driver fails to submit a sample, the device will activate the vehicle’s horn, and flash the lights.
These ignition interlock devices are ordered in DWI cases involving a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .15 or higher, including the operation of a commercial vehicle, subsequent offenses within seven years, habitual impaired driving, and manslaughter where impaired driving is a factor in the case.
This requirement is determined by the court based on the circumstances of the DWI related conviction. IID’s must be installed on any and all vehicles owned by the DWI offender, and the offender is responsible for any and all costs associated with the ignition interlock device such as the purchase of the device, monthly payments, service fees and maintenance.
While this program may seem inconvenient, in some cases it is the only way for one to re-establish his or her driving privileges. The ability to drive is so important in today’s working world, and an IID system is better than relying on public transit. If you or a loved one is attempting to re-establish the ability to drive after a DWI, you may qualify for this system.
