Some people who are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida may be ordered to install ignition interlock devices (IIDs) on all motor vehicles that her or she, individually or jointly leases or owns and routinely operates. IIDs are essentially in-vehicle breathalyzers that require drivers to blow into mouthpieces and submit samples that do not exceed Florida alcohol limits in order to start the vehicles.
The amount of time that an individual is required to keep an IID installed in his or her vehicle can vary depending on the number of DUI convictions he or she has, as well as other factors, but installation and maintenance of IIDs are solely at the expense of alleged offenders.
In addition to the significant costs associated with basic installation and maintenance of IIDs, people can also face additional fines for submitting samples that exceed alcohol limits or tampering with IIDs.
Lawyer for Ignition Interlock Devices in Gainesville, FL
Are you concerned about having to install an IID in your car because of a recent DUI arrest in north central Florida? You will want to make sure that you retain legal counsel in order to minimize the length of time you are required to have an IID installed in your vehicle—or possibly even avoid having to install such a device.
The experienced criminal defense attorneys in Gainesville at Galigani Law Firm defend clients facing all kinds of DUI charges in communities throughout Columbia County, Alachua County, Baker County, Bradford County, and many surrounding areas of Gainesville.
Call (352) 375-0812 today to have our lawyers review your case and help you understand all of your legal options during a free, confidential consultation.
Overview of Ignition Interlock Devices in Alachua County
- How long do people have to keep IIDs installed in their cars?
- What are the consequences of failed tests?
- Where can I find more information about ignition interlock devices in Gainesville?
Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in Gainesville DUI Cases
Different subsections of Florida Statute § 316.193 establish mandatory IID placement for alleged offenders based on the types of DUI offenses that he or she was convicted of. Generally, the minimum lengths of time that alleged offenders are required to have IID installed in their vehicles are as follows, depending on the DUI offense they were convicted of:
- First Conviction — If court ordered;
- First Conviction if Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) 0.15 or above, or minor in car — Minimum of six months;
- Second Conviction — Minimum of one year;
- Second Conviction if Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) 0.15 or above, or minor in car — Minimum of two years;
- Third Conviction — Minimum of two years; or
- Fourth or Subsequent Conviction — Minimum of five years.
When an alleged offender is ordered to install an IID in his or her vehicle, he or she will have to pay a deposit and fee for installation as well as monthly maintenance costs to have the device calibrated.
Under Florida Statute § 316.1937(2)(d), a court can order that any portion of a fine paid by an alleged offender for a DUI violation be allocated to defray the costs of installing the device if the court determines that the person is unable to pay for installation of the device.
Ignition Interlock Device Violation Penalties in Alachua County
Under Florida Statute § 316.1937, IIDs are to be installed in such a manner that vehicles will not start if an operator’s BAC is in excess of 0.025 percent or as otherwise specified by the court. If a person submits a sample that exceeds the alcohol limit on the IID, he or she will be prevented from starting the vehicle and may have to pay additional fees to the IID service provider.
Florida Statute § 316.19307(6) also establishes that alleged offenders can be ordered to pay fines of up to $500 for certain violations relating to IIDs. Under this statute, it is unlawful:
- To tamper with, or to circumvent the operation of, a court-ordered ignition interlock device;
- For any person whose driving privilege is restricted to request or solicit any other person to blow into an ignition interlock device or to start a motor vehicle equipped with the device for the purpose of providing the person so restricted with an operable motor vehicle;
- To blow into an ignition interlock device or to start a motor vehicle equipped with the device for the purpose of providing an operable motor vehicle to a person whose driving privilege is restricted pursuant to this section; and
- To knowingly lease or lend a motor vehicle to a person who has had his or her driving privilege restricted as provided in this section, unless the vehicle is equipped with a functioning, certified ignition interlock device. Any person whose driving privilege is restricted under a condition of probation requiring an ignition interlock device shall notify any other person who leases or loans a motor vehicle to him or her of such driving restriction.
Ignition Interlock Device Resources in Florida
Ignition Interlock Devices | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV or DHSMV) — Visit this section of the FLHSMV website to learn more about Florida’s ignition interlock program. View a listing of Department Approved IID Service Providers as well as approved devices. You can also learn more about court reporting requirements, find basic specifications of the device, and read answers to frequently asked questions.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) | 2017 Ignition Interlock Report — MADD is a nonprofit organization with the mission to “end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.” As part of its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving, MADD has identified its top legislative priority in every state as being to pass ignition interlock laws for all drunk driving offenders. MADD published this report in which data collected from 11 ignition interlock manufacturers and found that ignition interlocks had stopped 1.77 million attempts to drive drunk. In Florida, 8,925 starts were prevented by IIDs during the one-year period between December 1, 2015 through December 1, 2016, while 68,236 starts were prevented during the 10 years between 2006 and 2016.
Galigani Law Firm | Gainesville Ignition Interlock Device Defense Attorney
If you think you may have to install an IID in your automobile because of a DUI arrest anywhere in north central Florida, it is in your best interest to quickly seek legal representation. Galigani Law Firm represents individuals all over the greater Gainesville area, including communities in Union County, Columbia County, Baker County, Bradford County, and many others.
Gainesville criminal defense lawyer Dean Galigani has over two decades of experience. He can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case when you call (352) 375-0812 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
