California lawmakers may pass a bill that will require anyone convicted of a DUI to install a special device designed to prevent drivers from operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
If you’re arrested for a DUI in certain California counties, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) — even for a first-time offense. The IID pilot program has been a success in four California counties where it is currently in effect: Los Angeles, Alameda, Tulare and Sacramento counties. Lawmakers believe that it may reduce the rate of repeat drunk drivers — and provide an additional incentive for people to NOT drink and driver. Will the California legislature expand this program to the entire state?
Ignition Interlock Device Basics
An ignition interlock device, or IID, is a mini-breathalyzer that is installed directly onto your vehicle’s steering column. A court may order the installation of an IID in certain cases. If you have an IID in your car, then you have to provide an alcohol-free breath sample in order to start the car. If you cannot provide an alcohol-free breath sample, your vehicle will not start. While you’re on the road, the IID will regularly request breath samples (once within the first 5 to 15 minutes of driving, and then approximately every 45 minutes afterwards).
IIDs can be a heavy burden on anyone convicted of a California DUI. Not only do they require you to breathe into a machine just to start your car and continue driving it, but the user has to pay to install, maintain and use the machine. On top of fines, penalties and other costs associated with a DUI conviction, this can be a major expense. That is why it is so important to retain an aggressive Los Angeles County DUI attorney if you have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
In four California counties (Los Angeles, Alameda, Tulare and Sacramento), judges are required to order the installation of IIDs for first-time DUI offenses and additional DUI convictions. These devices must be installed for a period of five months to one year for first-time offenders and one to three years for additional offenses. Elsewhere in California, judges are not required to order IIDs except in certain situations. For most first-time offenders, judges outside of the four counties in the pilot program would not typically order an IID.
A Proposed Law to Expand the IID Program
Unless you live in Los Angeles, Alameda, Tulare and Sacramento county, a judge would not likely order the installation of an IID for first-time or even many repeat offender cases. However, some lawmakers believe that the IID program should be expanded to include all of California. Senate Bill 1046 has already been passed by the California Senate, and is awaiting approval from the Assembly. If it is passed, then judges throughout California would be required to order the installation of IIDs in all DUI cases — even first-time offenses. The length of time that the device has to be installed would depend on whether the conviction is a first-time or later offense, ranging from 6 months for a first offense to 4 years for a fourth or greater conviction. This proposed law has support from both sides of the political aisle, and will likely be enacted.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Los Angeles County, you will be required to install an IID on your vehicle even if it is your first offense. That is just one of the reasons why it is so important to have a seasoned Los Angeles County DUI attorney to represent you. The Chambers Law Firm will aggressively represent you to protect your legal rights. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can assist you if you’ve been charged with a DUI.
