What is an Ignition Interlock?
Photo Credit: Lifesafer An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a device that is installed in a vehicle to measure the drivers blood-alcohol level before the vehicle can be started. To start the car, the driver must give a breath sample. The breath sample is measured for alcohol much in the same way that the Alcotest measures breathe alcohol content. If the analyzed sample result has a blood-alcohol content greater than .05%, the ignition interlock device prevents the vehicle from being started. The device also requires the driver to provide random samples once the vehicle is in motion. The random samples typically occur once every 15 minutes. This is done prevent someone who was sober from blowing into the device to get the car started and then allowing somebody who is intoxicated to operate the car. If the random test is not performed within the required time or it records a BAC of greater than .05% a violation is recorded. In New Jersey, an ignition interlock device is mandatory for the following DWI convictions:
- First DUI offense: Installation of interlock device for six months to one year upon restoration (judge's discretion); BAC 0.15% or greater requires mandatory installation of ignition interlock device during license suspension and for 6 months to 1 year following restoration
- Second DUI offense: Mandatory installation of interlock device during license suspension and for 1 to 3 years following restoration
- Third DUI offense: Mandatory installation of interlock device during license suspension and for 1 to 3 years following restoration
If your BAC is less than .15%, the court is not required to impose an interlock device. However, the court in its discretion may impose an interlock device upon someone convicted of a first DUI offense. What is the process for having an interlock device installed on my car? The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (“MVC”) has approved several ignition interlock device manufacturers. These manufacturers IID's are satisfy the courts imposition of an IID. The MVC has specifically approved the following manufacturers, none of which are located in New Jersey:
Company | Contact/Website |
Best Labs 7301 West Blvd Suite A1 Boardman, OH 44512 | (800) 219-9936 Best Labssensolockamerica |
Low Cost Interlock,Inc. 2038 W. Park Ave. Redlands, CA 92373 | (844) 316-7988 Low Cost Interlock |
1A Smart Start, Inc. 4950 Plaza Drive Irving,TX 75063 | (800) 880-3394 A1 Smart Start Inc |
LifeSafer 4290 Glendale Milford Road Cincinnati, OH 45242-3704 | (800) 475-7151 www.LifeSafer.com |
Intoxalock 10520 Hickman Road Ste F Des Moines ,IA 50325 | (877) 777-5020 Intoxalock |
Alcohol Detection Systems 1718 Belmont Avenue Suite E Baltimore, MD 21244 | 1-888-STOP-DUI (888-786-7384) Alcohol Detection SystemsAlcohol Detection Systems |
Guardian Interlock Systems 228 Church St. Marietta, GA 30060 | (800) 499-0994 Guardian Interlock Systems |
Draeger Safety Diagnostics 4040 W Royal Lane Suite 136 Irving, TX 75063 | (856) 753- 9700 (800) 970-1002 Draeger Safety Diagnostics |
In reviewing the list of approved manufacturers websites, it becomes clear that the cost of the installation, leasing, and monitoring are anything but clear. Most manufacturers' websites require you to call the home office to get a price for installation leasing and monitoring of your IID. Some manufacturers offer incentives such as “free installation” or “first month free” to induce you to lease their interlock device. DWI laws are always evolving and the consequences of conviction remain severe including possible fines, loss of license, or even incarceration. Don't take a chance with your life! If you or someone you know is facing DWI or refusal charges in a New Jersey Municipal Court, contact the municipal court defense lawyers at DeMichele & DeMichele today. We are here to defend the charges against you. Contact us now for your confidential and free initial consultation. You can also reach us by telephone (856) 546-1350. ______
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