An ignition interlock device (IID) is essentially a chemical breath test that someone performs before they can start their vehicle and intermittently to keep it running. After professional installation in a vehicle, an IID creates a record of every time that person tries to start the car.
An IID is usually ordered by the courts and not optional for the person driving. They typically cannot drive other vehicles that do not have IIDs installed in them. When might the Florida courts require you to install an IID in your vehicle?
Certain impaired driving violations lead to an IID
An IID is a protection for the public, which might be endangered by a driver with a habit of getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink. Many people convicted of drunk driving will eventually do the same thing again, sometimes right after getting their licenses back.
A device that verifies sobriety limits the recidivism of those with a previous drunk driving conviction. In Florida, those to have multiple DUI offenses on their record, who drove while under the influence with minors in the vehicle or those who had a very high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of their arrest may need to install an IID in order to retain their driving privileges.
After the successful completion of a probationary period with the IID installed, a driver with a prior impaired driving conviction can regain their unmonitored driving privileges, making an IID something that is potentially beneficial for those accused of impaired driving offenses. Of course, fighting the DUI charge could allow a driver to completely avoid the obligation to install an IID in their vehicle.
