An alcohol interlock device is mandatory for all individuals in Washington that have been convicted of DUI, DWI, or other alcohol-related offenses. It is one of the machines that is also called a breathalyzer. If you want to know more about whether an alcohol interlock device will benefit your situation, keep reading!
Below highlighted are 5 reasons why you might need an interlock device in your vehicle. Read on to know more in detail to have an overall better understanding!
Impaired Drivers with Multiple DWIs
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a terrible idea. The state typically defines any DUI conviction as a major crime on your criminal record. Due to an increase in the number of road accidents all over the world, most IT companies and safety manufacturing units now opt for these devices that can test the alcohol level in one’s breath, and give an idea about how the driver can drive the vehicle safely. Driving under the influence of alcohol is not only dangerous to yourself and those around you while operating a vehicle, but it’s also extremely expensive both in regards to a monetary fine and to maintain your driving privilege once convicted more than once.
- Drivers Without Any DWI Convictions
On the surface, it may seem like having a DWI conviction would be the only circumstance under which one would need to get an alcohol interlock device installed in their vehicle. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes people receive DWI charges but are not convicted of them and so they don’t go on any formal criminal record.
In that case, you may need to install the device if ordered by your court or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Other drivers without any DWI convictions who need to install this device could include spouses of offenders who have been ordered by a court to do so and convicted offenders who only had one prior DWI conviction, but did not have an IID installed at the time due to a lack of state-mandated requirements for low-level offenders.
- Out-of-State Drivers
If you’re a driver in Michigan and live in another state, you will likely be charged with an OWI violation if you were involved in any type of accident or if your driving abilities were impaired by alcohol. In this case, your license may be revoked in the state of Michigan and your home state.
Therefore, acquiring an alcohol interlock device can protect your livelihood and provide another form of the transportation by car. Sometimes, the major number of highway accidents can be avoided, when the drivers are tested with the help of breath analyzers.
- Commercial Drivers
What should you do if this applies to you? To keep driving without interruption, you’ll have to invest in an alcohol interlock device that attaches directly to your vehicle’s electrical system and prevents it from starting unless someone blows into it with a BAC level below 0.02% (the legal limit for most states). These units are equipped with electronic locks that restrict access until the driver is sober and ready.
- Parents Who Transport Children
If you are a parent who transports your children in your vehicle and does not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), then you may be required to have an alcohol interlock device installed on your car. This requirement can apply if you live in one of the following states: Connecticut, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, or West Virginia. As soon as this device detects that anyone of the parents is drunk, the car ignition does not start. The mouthpiece gives a detailed analysis of what amount of alcohol has been consumed by the driver.
This will depend on whether you drive in your state while under the influence of alcohol and if so whether or not there are any convictions associated with this offense.
Conclusion
In the end, we hope you now feel a little more comfortable with what it means to need an alcohol for the interlock device and that you also know how easy they are to install. It is encouraged to speak with a lawyer if you are not sure whether or not this applies to your situation.
