An ignition interlock device (IID) may be part of sentencing when a court convicts you with a driving under the influence (DUI) charge. A judge may require you to install the device as part of your sentence to ensure that you are not driving drunk, and the car will not turn on if there is alcohol on your breath. It will also require random breath samples while driving to ensure you are not consuming alcohol behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, these devices can make day-to-day living a hassle, and all expenses must be paid out-of-pocket. Continue reading to learn more about Maryland’s IID policies and rules, including if someone else can drive your car that has an IID. If you are unsure whether a particular activity breaks your sentencing terms, contact The Law Office of Hillel Traub.
Table of Contents
- AM I THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN DRIVE MY CAR WITH AN IID?
- WHAT IS A VIOLATION OF MARYLAND’S INTERLOCK PROGRAM?
- WHAT HAPPENS IF I VIOLATE THE TERMS OF THE IID PROGRAM?
- SPEAK TO A MARYLAND DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY
AM I THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN DRIVE MY CAR WITH AN IID?
Anyone legally licensed to drive and sober can start and operate your vehicle if it has an IID. You may have to show them how to use the device properly, and you should inform them that there may be random testing as they drive. Remember, you are responsible for all the test results from the IID regardless of who is behind the wheel. In Maryland, ignition interlocking devices are programmed not to start the vehicle if the person has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .025% or higher. Not only will your car not start, but you might violate your sentencing if anyone blows into your IID with a detectable breath alcohol concentration.
WHAT IS A VIOLATION OF MARYLAND’S INTERLOCK PROGRAM?
There are several ways you can violate Maryland’s IID program. Having a sober individual blow into the device for you so you can operate the vehicle is a violation. Some other ways people violate the program and terms of their sentencing include:
- Failure to install the IID and obtain a restricted license
- Failure to appear for monthly monitoring
- Operating a vehicle that does not have an IID
- Tampering with, bypassing, or removing the IID from your vehicle
- Attempting to start or operate the vehicle with a BAC over .025%
- Failure to submit retests after starting the car
Those who help you circumvent the interlocking device may also be subject to penalties and fines.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I VIOLATE THE TERMS OF THE IID PROGRAM?
There are consequences if you violate the terms of the Ignition Interlock Device Program in Maryland. For the first three violations, courts or the MVA will add one month to the required time. If you receive four violations, courts can remove you from the program and revoke or suspend your driving privileges. There may also be additional penalties depending on other factors, such as prior DUI violations.
SPEAK TO A MARYLAND DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY
If you must participate in an IID program as part of your sentencing, consulting with an experienced DUI defense attorney who can help you understand its benefits and restrictions is vital. Attorney Hillel Traub is well-versed in Maryland traffic laws and will advise you on what you can and cannot do with an IID. Furthermore, a Maryland DUI charge can lead to harsh penalties, and Attorney Traub can represent you in court against these charges
You do not have to go through the justice system alone. Hillel Traub is a fierce advocate and will take every step in court to fight for you, help keep your driving privileges, and protect your reputation in the community. To learn how The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help you after a DUI, call (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form.
