What is the Information on an Ignition Interlock Device in Gainesville?
Since July of 2008, installation of an approved ignition interlock device is a mandated or required DUI conviction penalty. Proof of installation must be shown before a person with certain DUI convictions is able to get their diving privilege back. This 2008 mandate applies to all residents of Gainesville, Alachua County and all of Florida.
DUI Convictions that mandate ignition interlock device placement & (the time frame required) are:
- For a DUI with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) over 0.15 (at least 6 months)
- If there was a minor in the vehicle at the time of the DUI arrest (at least 6 months)
- For a 2nd DUI conviction (at least one year)
- For a 2nd DUI conviction with a BAC over 0.15 or if minor in the vehicle (at least 2 years)
- For a 3rd DUI conviction (at least 2 years)
The device must be approved by the DMV and placed on all vehicles that are individually or jointly owed or leased and routinely operated by the convicted person. Additionally all costs for the purchase, placement and monthly monitoring and calibration are borne by the convicted person. The time periods that are mandated for the device’s placement and use must be consecutive and cannot correspond with imprisonment time.
The ignition interlock device itself plugs into the cigarette lighter of the automobile and is hard-wired to the vehicle’s ignition system. Before the car can be started, the convicted person must blow into the mouthpiece of the device. The machine is similar to other breath testing machines as it reads breath alcohol concentration. The main difference is that this device is used inside the car and will not allow the car to start unless the driver’s breath alcohol level is under a certain concentration. Additionally, periodic breath sampling is required to continue the vehicle’s operation.
The goal of a vehicle ignition interlock device is to prevent a person that has been drinking from starting and then operating a vehicle.
Remember, the only sure way of avoiding the lifelong consequences of a DUI conviction is to not drink and drive!
However, if it is too late, do not make another mistake – hire an experienced DUI/DWI attorney to represent you and do it ASAP, don’t wait! You can contact us today at 800-373-8000.
The experienced Trial Attorneys at Meldon Law are dedicated to preserving the rights of the accused.
Pictured above – Dan Weisman, Jeffrey Meldon, and Carey Meldon have a combined 60 years of legal experience representing people in Gainesville, Florida and Alachua County, Florida accused of DUI/DWI and other criminal charges. They wrote the DUI Guide for Alachua County – Ways to Possibly Avoid a DUI Charge or Conviction. Request your free copy today.
This free no obligation book, written by a team of experienced DUI defense criminal trial attorneys, gives insight into what a DUI charge is, ways the State can prove the charge, and possible legal defenses.
Being charged and convicted of DUI is best avoided by not drinking and driving! This book also gives information on what it takes to be over the legal limit, how alcohol affects the body, plus much, much more!
