Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) in California

What is the purpose of Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs), and how do they work in California?

Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) are breathalyzers installed in motor vehicles that require drivers to blow into the device before starting the car. If the drivers BAC (blood alcohol content) exceeds the legal limit (usually 0.08%), the car will not start. The purpose of IIDs is to prevent drunk driving by ensuring drivers remain sober while operating their vehicles. IIDs are currently mandated in California for all DUI offenders. Upon conviction, drivers are required to install and maintain an IID in any vehicle they own or operate for a set period of time. The length of time a driver must use the IID varies depending on the severity of the DUI offense, but can range from 6 months to as long as three years.

Are IIDs mandatory for DUI or DWI offenders in California?

No. IIDs are not mandatory for DUI or DWI offenders in California. However, an offender may be required to install an IID as part of a sentence or plea agreement.

Is there a minimum BAC level or specific circumstances that trigger IID installation in California?

Yes, in California, courts may order an ignition interlock device to be installed on a vehicle after a person has been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). The minimum BAC for this type of installation is 0.08%, and the requirements for installation may vary based on the severity of the offense. Additionally, a person may be ordered to install an IID after being charged with multiple DUIs within a 10-year period, even if the BAC was below 0.08%.

Are there different rules for first-time DUI offenders compared to repeat offenders in California?

Yes, there are different rules for first-time DUI offenders compared to repeat offenders in California. For a first-time DUI offense, an offender may face jail time of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000 and/or community service. Additionally, a first-time offender may be placed on probation for up to three years and may be required to attend an alcohol education program. For a second or subsequent DUI offense, an offender may face jail time of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000 and/or community service. Additionally, a repeat offender may be placed on probation for up to five years and may be required to attend an alcohol education program for 18 or 30 months.

How long is an IID typically required to be installed in a vehicle in California?

In California, an IID is typically required to be installed in a vehicle for at least 12 months.

Are there fees associated with the installation, maintenance, and removal of IIDs in California?

Yes, there are fees associated with the installation, maintenance, and removal of ignition interlock devices in California. The fees for installation will typically range from $45 to $175, while the monthly maintenance fee is usually around $60. The cost for removal of the device is typically around $50. However, in order to get an exact estimate, it is best to contact a local vendor to inquire about specific costs and fees.

Do IIDs have any impact on insurance premiums for the vehicle owner in California?

Yes, IIDs have an impact on insurance premiums in California. Insurance companies factor in the installation of an IID when calculating premiums for drivers who have been convicted of a DUI or other alcohol-related offense. The installation of an IID usually results in lower insurance premiums due to the reduced risk that the driver will repeat the offense.

What happens if a driver fails an IID breath test while attempting to start the vehicle in California?

If a driver fails an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) breath test while attempting to start the vehicle in California, their car will not start and they will be unable to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the failed breath test will be recorded and reported to the court or the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Depending on the circumstances, this could result in penalties such as additional license suspension or revocation, fines, vehicle impoundment, or jail time.

Is there a requirement for periodic rolling retests while driving with an IID in California?

Yes, while driving with an IID in California, you must complete rolling retests every 15 minutes. This involves blowing into the device to prove that you have not consumed alcohol since the last test.

Can someone other than the offender drive the vehicle with an IID installed in California?

Yes, someone other than the offender can drive a vehicle with an IID installed in California. However, the driver will need to provide a valid breath sample in order for the vehicle to start.

Are there penalties for attempting to tamper with or circumvent the IID in California?

Yes, there are severe penalties for attempting to tamper with or circumvent an IID in California. According to California Vehicle Code section 23247, a first offense is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Subsequent offenses are punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.

How does our state monitor and enforce compliance with IID requirements in California?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with California’s ignition interlock device (IID) requirements. All IID installations must be reported to the DMV and are subject to periodic inspections. Drivers must also provide proof of compliance with the IID program in order to maintain an active driver’s license or reinstate a suspended or revoked license. The DMV also works with law enforcement to ensure that IIDs are used as required by law.

Is there a process for appealing or contesting the IID requirement in California?

Yes, a driver may contest the IID requirement in California by filing a petition for a restricted license hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). At this hearing, the driver must present evidence to prove that they do not pose a danger to public safety by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The DMV will then decide whether or not to grant the driver a restricted license or require the installation of an IID.

Can individuals request a hardship or restricted license during IID installation in California?

Yes, individuals can request a hardship or restricted license during IID installation in California. Such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the DMV before a license can be issued. The DMV typically requires proof of financial hardship, such as pay stubs or letters from employers, and the applicant must demonstrate that their need for a license outweighs any potential public safety risk posed by the IID violation.

What happens if someone accumulates violations or fails to comply with IID requirements in California?

If someone accumulates violations or fails to comply with the IID requirement, the court may suspend the individual’s driver’s license. The court may also impose fines, increased supervision from a probation officer, or even jail time. The suspension period may last up to one year. In addition, the individual will be required to complete an alcohol and/or drug education program, such as an Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP).

Are there provisions for indigent individuals who cannot afford IID costs in California?

Yes, California’s Ignition Interlock Device Program offers financial assistance to indigent individuals who cannot afford the cost of an IID. Specifically, the program provides up to $150 to qualifying applicants to cover the cost of the IID. Additionally, applicants may be eligible for financial assistance for the installation and monthly rental costs associated with the device. To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles website.

How do IIDs impact commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and CDL holders in California?

In California, an ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer-like device that is connected to a vehicle’s ignition system and requires the driver to blow into the device in order to start the car. If the driver’s breath alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the legal limit of 0.08%, the vehicle will not start.

CDL holders in California who have been convicted of DUI must comply with an IID requirement in order to have their CDL reinstated. They must install an IID on all vehicles they operate and must blow into it each time they wish to operate the vehicle. This requirement is in place for a period of at least 12 months, or until their license has been fully reinstated. Furthermore, CDL holders in California are subject to random alcohol testing while operating commercial vehicles. If the CDL holder fails a random alcohol test, they will be subject to penalties from both the court and DMV, as well as possible suspension or revocation of their CDL.

Do IIDs differ in requirements for passenger vehicles versus motorcycles or other vehicles in California?

Yes, IIDs differ in requirements for passenger vehicles versus motorcycles or other vehicles in California. California has different IID requirements for motorcycles and other vehicles than it does for passenger vehicles. Motorcycles, mopeds, and off-road vehicles are not required to have an IID installed unless they are part of a court-ordered program, whereas passenger vehicles must have an IID installed before the vehicle can be registered and driven on public roads.

Are there resources or organizations that offer support and guidance for IID users in California?

Yes, there are many resources and organizations in California that offer support and guidance for IID users. These include Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the California Department of Motor Vehicles, local law enforcement agencies, private organizations such as Alcohol Monitoring Systems (AMS) and Soberlink, and various health care providers. Additionally, online resources such as The National Road Safety Foundation and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) can provide information to those who are using IIDs.

Can individuals have the IID requirement removed or the duration shortened under certain circumstances in California?

The short answer is yes, but the process varies depending on the particular circumstances of the individual. Generally speaking, individuals may be able to petition for the removal or modification of the IID requirement if they have completed an in-depth alcohol assessment and/or treatment program and have not been convicted of any new alcohol-related offenses in the past three years. The court will also consider whether the individual poses a threat to public safety before deciding whether to grant the request.