An ignition interlock device (IID) is essentially a breathalyzer that links directly to your vehicle’s engine. Before your car will start, you must blow into the device to prove your breath alcohol concentration is below a preset limit.
In Indiana, the IID is a deterrent and a tool for rehabilitation, allowing individuals to continue driving under strict supervision after a drunk driving incident. While it keeps the roads safer, it also serves as a constant, daily reminder of a legal mistake.
Drunk driving could lead to an IID
Indiana law is particularly strict regarding, especially when it comes to operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). After a conviction, the court has several ways to penalize the offense and try to prevent it from happening again. Depending on the specifics of your case, such as your blood alcohol content or whether it is a repeat offense, you may face a variety of consequences:
- License suspension: A judge can take away your driving privileges for a period ranging from months to years.
- Jail time: Even a first-time OWI can result in up to a year of incarceration, depending on the circumstances.
- Monetary fines: You may be ordered to pay thousands of dollars in fines, court costs and mandatory fees.
- IID installation: To regain the ability to drive through specialized driving privileges, the court may require you to pay for and install the device in every vehicle you operate.
The IID is often the most persistent penalty, as the driver is usually responsible for the costs of installation, monthly rental and regular calibration. This means the financial burden of a conviction continues long after you have paid the fines.
Understand the impact of an OWI charge
Understanding the full scope of these penalties is essential for people facing OWI charges. When you are fully informed about the potential outcomes, you can better manage the situation and ensure that you are taking the right steps to protect your future and your ability to stay on the road.