Someone who is charged with a DWI (Driving while intoxicated) offense has to follow a certain number of requirements as part of the punishment that comes with the charge. In addition the suspension of a driver’s license for a period of time, once the ability to drive is restored, it still comes with certain conditions. One of those conditions is satisfying the requirements of an ignition interlock device that is installed on your car. So what is this thing?
Your Always Available Sobriety Test
In the eyes of the law, it has now been decided that you cannot control your own impulses for drinking alcohol and driving, so New York state isn’t taking any more chances. If you can’t be trusted to judge your own fitness to drive, a machine will do it for you.
An ignition interlock device is a machine that is installed in your car. It is actually a breathalyzer testing device for detecting the amount of alcohol in your body. In order for your car to start, you must provide a breath sample to the interlock ignition device. If you have no alcohol, or a very low amount of alcohol in your system, you will pass the test and the device will allow your car to start. If you have had too much to drink, the device will detect these elevated alcohol levels and your car will not start. Depending on the nature of a DWI charge, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car for six months or more.
This is just one of the many changes that occur in life with a DWI charge. And it’s one of the reasons why a good DWI lawyer can be an excellent source of guidance when you or someone you care about faces this situation.