Serving What Is an Interlock Device?
DUI convictions often result in court-ordered installation of ignition interlock devices that restrict your ability to operate a vehicle without passing breath alcohol testing. These monitoring systems require drivers to prove sobriety before starting their cars and periodically while driving to maintain restricted driving privileges.
The DUI attorneys at Law Offices of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, help clients understand interlock device requirements and fight to minimize DUI penalties that affect their transportation needs and daily lives.
What Is an Interlock Device (IID)?
An ignition interlock device is a breath alcohol testing mechanism connected to your vehicle’s ignition system that prevents engine starting when it detects alcohol. The device requires drivers to provide breath samples that register below preset alcohol concentration limits before the vehicle will start.
How Does an Interlock Device Work?
Interlock systems continuously monitor driver sobriety through required breath testing at vehicle startup and random intervals during operation. The device records all testing attempts and violations for review by monitoring authorities:
- Before Driving: You must blow into the handheld unit and pass the breath test for the ignition to engage and the engine to start.
- While Driving: The device prompts random rolling retests during operation, requiring you to provide additional breath samples within minutes of the alert.
- Recording: The system logs all test results, failed attempts, missed retests, and tampering incidents that authorities review during compliance checks.
Who Needs an Interlock Device in South Carolina?
Courts impose IID requirements on various categories of DUI offenders based on blood alcohol concentration levels and prior conviction history. South Carolina law (Section 56-1-400) establishes ignition interlock device requirements and procedures for administering limited driving privileges to DUI offenders. Multiple circumstances trigger mandatory installation:
- First offense with BAC 0.15% or higher
- Second or subsequent DUI convictions
- Refusal to submit to chemical testing
- Provisional license restoration
- Participation in the ignition interlock device program
How Long Does an Interlock Device Have to Stay on Your Car?
Installation duration depends on offense severity, prior DUI history, and compliance with program requirements during the monitoring period. Courts establish minimum installation timeframes:
- Six months for the first offense
- Two years for the second offense
- Three years for the third offense
- Four years for fourth or subsequent offenses
Consequences of IID Violations
Program violations extend your required installation period and may result in license suspension or criminal charges for circumventing the device. Common infractions trigger penalties:
- Failed tests: Breath samples registering alcohol content result in violation reports to monitoring authorities.
- Missed retests: Failure to provide rolling retest samples within the required timeframe constitutes a program violation.
- Tampering: Attempts to bypass or disconnect the device lead to immediate program termination and license revocation.
Contact a South Carolina DUI Defense Attorney Today
Ignition interlock requirements create financial burdens and transportation challenges that experienced DUI attorneys work to minimize through aggressive defense strategies. Call The Law Offices of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, at 843-488-4321 to schedule a consultation with an experienced DUI attorney in South Carolina.