No More Excuses to Drive Drunk: Ignition Interlock Devices Mandatory for All DUI Offenders in Connecticut

In Connecticut, a new era has begun as a new law has been passed for DUI offenders. Whether you have too many drinks at home or an event, or you thought you could drive home after a party and just get away with a drunken driving ticket, that is no longer the case. Now, a DUI offender gets more than just a small jail term, ticket or a monetary fine. They must also install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

Under Connecticut's law, it is now mandatory for all DUI convicts to serve a 45-day suspension or until they turn 21. After this period, they will be required to obtain the ignition interlock device that must be used for one and three years, which is dependent on the number of DUI offenses in the past years or months. That is, if you are found driving under the influence and your BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) reads a .08 or above, you will be charged as a DUI offender. Speak to attorney Mark Sherman if you’re in need of legal aid. 

The New Law and Ignition Interlock Devices (IID)

IID (Ignition Interlock Devices) is now a common tool for preventing future DUI cases. How does it work? A DUI offender, after being convicted, will obtain the IID. After that, anytime they want to drive, especially when they have consumed alcohol, all they have to do is breathe into the device, and the device will determine whether or not it is safe to drive. 

The IIDs function similarly to Breathalyzer tests. They analyze the driver's breath sample and determine their BAC. If the test result is above the required range, the vehicle will not start.

So far, there are other IIDs with advanced technology. For instance, some of these devices have cameras that prevent the driver from asking for breath samples from passengers, that is, passengers who are not under the influence of any substance. 

Others carry out tests on a rolling basis. That is, it rechecks the driver every 15 minutes after the car starts. IIDs are an attempt to reduce DUI offenses and eventually make the streets a safer place.

The Opposing Parties

As good as the law sounds, some people are kicking against it. They say that the device will cause a social stigma because those required to use it will have to bear the cost of monitoring and installation. According to them, the costs are high. The first fee to be paid is around $100, and upon installation, it could cost over $150.

Furthermore, they pointed out that the offender is required to pay monthly monitoring fees, which are quite high because they could cost about $75. They noted that with the way things are going, soon, the entire country might be required to use the IID, which might soon become a standard tool.

In addition, some experts who oppose the law stated that the devices can be sensitive to mouthwash since most mouthwash contains alcohol. That is, even if the offender is not drunk but uses mouthwash, they might not be able to drive their car. Furthermore, some argue that the state should not put the IID into law, and it should be the job of a judge after finding the offender guilty.

How Can I Install An IID? 

Here are two steps to have an IID installed:

1. Contact a reliable CT-approved IID vendor and make an appointment. Once it is successfully installed, the vendor will notify the DMV.
2. You will have to pay the fees required online, by cash, or by check.

Note that license reinstatement costs $175, and the IID administration fee costs $100.

Conclusion

Ignition interlock devices can be an effective method to reduce DUI offenses. Irrespective of the opposition parties, a large number of people still support the law. Unfortunately, this new law cannot bring back those who have died as a result of DUI offenders.