A DUI ignition interlock device enables people who have been convicted of DUI to resume driving. But they need to fulfill the eligibility criteria to get the device installed in their vehicle.
Read on for details…
If you have been convicted of driving under the influence and your license was suspended, the court may, most likely, require you to get a DUI ignition interlock device in your motor vehicle, in order to ensure that you’re not able to drive if you’re drunk.
An ignition interlock is a breath analyzer that stops drivers from starting a vehicle if their blood alcohol concentration exceeds a pre-set level. In the state of Arizona the preset level is .03 for individuals over the age of 21 and .02 for under the age of 21. Upon conviction of a DUI the offender will be required to serve a temporary suspension of driving privileges before they are eligible to install an ignition interlock device and reinstate their driving privileges with a restricted drivers license. In the state of Arizona the Interlock Program is regulated and operated through the Motor Vehicle Division which / Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The program participant (DUI offender) is required to blow into the device to start the vehicle and is also required to periodically provide breath samples while the vehicle is running. These are called running tests.
There are 9 ADOT certified companies in the state that offer ignition interlock systems. Once the device is installed by a certified Ignition Interlock provider the DUI offender is required to have the ignition interlock system monitored once a month. During the monitoring visit the provider will down load the data from the device, calibrate the device for accuracy and reset the device to allow the offender to drive for another month. Failure to come in for monitoring appointments will cause the interlock device to “Lock Out” thus restricting the vehicle operator from starting the vehicle.
When should you get Ignition Interlock installed?
To be eligible for a DUI ignition interlock device there are some requirements that must be fulfilled before the installation of the device:
- Participant should be finished with their revocation/suspension before installation.
- Participant must have completed their drug and alcohol screening assessment.
- Participant MAY have to acquire an SR-22 Insurance Rider. This requirement varies from individual to individual.
- Participant will be required to complete a traffic survival school course HOWEVER, this does not have to be completed before the interlock is installed but will be required by the participant.
QuickStart Ignition Interlock is certified, licensed and bonded with the Arizona Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Department) as an Ignition Interlock Device provider. As President of QuickStart, I strongly encourage individuals to contact the MVD to insure the participant is eligible for the installation. “If a participant is not eligible and they proceed with the installation of the ignition interlock system they may not receive credit for the time which they had their vehicle equipped with the device”.