Losing your driver’s license after a DUI offense can be a huge letdown after all you have gone through to reach this point. But soon after the shock of losing your license, you will realize that there are so many more issues that are waiting to be addressed such as hearings to have your license suspended reinstated, applying for a restricted license to allow you to drive to and from work, school and to receive any medical treatment and monitoring to ensure you are complying with any terms and conditions of the suspension of your license. For many people the biggest form of monitoring is the interlock devise that is fitted to their vehicles after their license has been suspended after a DUI offense.
Many people overlook the fact that the interlock program is used by most individuals as a means to reinstate full driving privileges as quickly as possible. Thus it is critical to quickly gain an understanding of the interlock and its many facets.
What an ignition interlock actually does
First off, it is important to explain the function of an ignition interlock device or IID. The IID is essentially a breath test given before you can start your car. It is a device that is hooked up to the ignition of your vehicle(s) that will measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) each time you start your vehicle. In order for you to start your vehicle, your BAC reading must be below a predetermined level set by state law (typically .02%). Modern interlock devices require so-called rolling retests while you are driving – meaning that you will be required to provide additional breath samples while operating your vehicle at random times.
There are many new features found on most new interlock devices on the market today that help to better monitor and track the behavior of a number of suspended drivers. In addition to the initial start-up test, interlock devices are now equipped to administer a number of “rolling retests.” While driving, the suspended driver will be periodically prompted to provide another breath sample into the interlock. This test will measure the suspended driver’s BAC. If it is found that the suspended driver has been consuming alcohol and has a high BAC reading while driving, the vehicle will not start up after the initial approval to start the vehicle has been granted by the interlock device. There are many ways that a suspended driver could attempt to circumvent their having of a suspension of their driving privileges after being convicted of a DUI.
One example of this would be that of a man who attempted to start up his vehicle after he had been drinking by first blowing a clean sample into the interlock device for approval to start up his vehicle. After he received approval, he got into his vehicle and drove off to go get a beer.
Every test is logged whether it was passed or failed. Also every time the vehicle is started is logged and the results of the test are transmitted to the monitoring authority for the driver’s state. This is typically the driver’s DMV or the driver’s probation office.
Back on the Road – How to Get Back Your Full License.
In addition to the requirements for removing an Interlock from a driver’s license there are procedures to remove the Interlock from a vehicle and these also vary by state. In some states procedures can vary between counties in the same state and these can be frustrating in the extreme.
- Your license is suspended following a DUI conviction or administrative action.
- You apply (or are ordered) to participate in an ignition interlock program, often as a condition of a restricted or hardship license.
- You choose a state-approved interlock provider, schedule installation, and have the device fitted to your vehicle.
- You drive under the restricted license terms for a set monitoring period, which might be six months, a year, or considerably longer depending on your situation.
- Your data gets reviewed periodically. A clean record pushes you toward full reinstatement. Violations can extend the program or trigger additional consequences.
It’s common for states to grant restricted licenses to individuals who have had their licenses suspended for a DUI. With a restricted license, a suspended driver can usually drive to and from work, school, and receive medical treatment. Many states allow suspended drivers to drive to and from required court appearances and required appearances in DUI programs. While a restricted license does not allow a suspended driver to drive anywhere at anytime, it is far better than not being able to drive at all. Many individuals need to drive to and from work in order to hold a job to support themselves and their families.
The strange arithmetic of compliance
After an individual is sentenced to an interlock, they have to service time on the device. This is where individuals will typically treat their time on the interlock like they are waiting in a waiting room. In between their service of time on the interlock, they would go to work, go to school, service time on the interlock, take care of family. Individuals tend to forget that interlock compliance records are treated like a “credit score” which is started from scratch at the beginning of the interlock period. Each clean month is a deposit while a failed test, a skipped calibration appointment, an attempted workaround – these are withdrawals sometimes in very large amounts.
You would also want to remember that your record of compliance with an interlock is similar to your credit score – you start at zero with a clean record. Every month that you have an interlock installed and you comply with the rules for the interlock is a deposit towards your record. But every time you fail a test, you forget to have the interlock calibrated, or you try to have someone else blow for you- that is a withdrawal- and can be a very large withdrawal. Also remember that the Courts and the DMV’s want you to comply with the interlock requirements- they don’t want to hear that you forgot to add liquid or that you “accidently” took a drink. They are very unforgiving.
As a motorist with an interlock installed on their vehicle in Virginia, the key will be to identify a monitor provider that can meet all of the monitor requirements for the State while reporting data from the monitor accurately as well as performing required maintenance to keep your driver monitor record “clean”. If you live in Newport News VA for example, look to ANCHORLINK ignition interlock Newport News VA for your monitor provider.
Restricted License vs. Suspension
| Factor | Restricted license with interlock | Waiting out full suspension |
| Can you drive? | Yes, within permitted purposes | No |
| Impact on reinstatement | Builds compliance record | No record built, clock still runs |
| Cost | Monthly device fee plus installation | No device cost, but no driving either |
| Flexibility to work or travel | Limited but present | None |
The interlock column almost looks pathetic compared to the other two columns.
What drivers consistently overlook
Several issues that catch the off guard despite them trying their best to be prepared:
- Calibration appointments aren’t optional. Miss one, and your device may lock out or register a violation even if you’ve been completely sober throughout the entire period.
- Certain foods, mouthwashes, and some medications can produce a positive reading. Worth knowing before you blow.
- The device must be installed in every vehicle you drive regularly, not just your primary car. That second vehicle sitting in the driveway counts.
- If you relocate between states, the requirements may shift in ways that aren’t obvious. A good provider will help you navigate that transition.
Finally, there are some things that the general public do not realize about the interlock devices. For instance, there is a fair amount of indignity in having to blow into a device in order to unlock and start your car. Most people feel that they have a right to drive wherever and whenever they choose. Involuntarily restricting oneself in this way is certainly unpleasant.
The interlock program requires the driver to be in control of their drinking, committed to their program, and responsible for their actions. A restricted license is terrible but better than a suspension. And as far as your compliance record goes, there is nothing that can take from it as quickly and in such large sums as a failed test, a missed interlock service appointment, or an attempt to circumvent an interlock installed as part of a criminal sentence. For those of us struggling to make our way through our program, our record of clean tests and on time maintenance of our device is scrutinized by the courts and DMVs that can grant us back full driving privileges. They are not very sympathetic to our mistakes.
