Ignition Interlock Device
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a portable breath testing instrument that is wired to your car's ignition system. A vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device requires the driver to take and pass a breath test that screens for deep-lung breath alcohol before the vehicle can be started. In North Carolina, NCGS 20-17.8 requires a driver whose license is suspended as a result of a DWI conviction and:
use an ignition interlock system before driving a motor vehicle. |
The license restriction requires that:
Although the typical first-time DWI offender who is required to have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicle only has to have the system for a one-year period, people with prior DWI convictions or who are sentenced at higher levels may have to use the device for a three or seven-year period.
Once the device is installed in your vehicle, you are required to report to an ignition interlock provider occasionally to have the device's data downloaded. The download will tell the Provider (who reports the results to DMV) of any failed attempts to start your vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, a failed attempt to start your vehicle due to alcohol detection may result in repercussions, including having your driving privileges suspended. If you receive a failed attempt notification from the DMV, you are able to request an administrative hearing and dispute this.
Smart Start, Inc., Monitech, Inc., and ALCOLOCK, Inc. are all approved ignition interlock providers in the State of North Carolina. You may contact these service providers if you need information about complying with any ignition interlock device license requirement you have. If you have any questions concerning ignition interlock devices, ignition interlock license requirements, or failed ignition interlock attempts, feel free to contact Adkins Law. A DWI lawyer from Adkins Law will be happy to give you a free DWI consultation. Adkins Law offers DWI representation in Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Iredell County, Gaston County, Cabarrus County, and the Lake Norman area.
- The person only operate a motor vehicle that is equipped with an approved, functioning ignition interlock system,
- That the person personally activate the ignition interlock system before driving the motor vehicle, AND
- That the alcohol concentration restriction be set at either 0.04 or 0.00 (dependent upon prior DWI conviction and sentencing).
Although the typical first-time DWI offender who is required to have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicle only has to have the system for a one-year period, people with prior DWI convictions or who are sentenced at higher levels may have to use the device for a three or seven-year period.
Once the device is installed in your vehicle, you are required to report to an ignition interlock provider occasionally to have the device's data downloaded. The download will tell the Provider (who reports the results to DMV) of any failed attempts to start your vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, a failed attempt to start your vehicle due to alcohol detection may result in repercussions, including having your driving privileges suspended. If you receive a failed attempt notification from the DMV, you are able to request an administrative hearing and dispute this.
Smart Start, Inc., Monitech, Inc., and ALCOLOCK, Inc. are all approved ignition interlock providers in the State of North Carolina. You may contact these service providers if you need information about complying with any ignition interlock device license requirement you have. If you have any questions concerning ignition interlock devices, ignition interlock license requirements, or failed ignition interlock attempts, feel free to contact Adkins Law. A DWI lawyer from Adkins Law will be happy to give you a free DWI consultation. Adkins Law offers DWI representation in Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Iredell County, Gaston County, Cabarrus County, and the Lake Norman area.