The Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a breath device mounted in vehicles when ordered by an Orange County Court or mandated by the Department of Motor Vehicles as a condition of obtaining a driver’s license. The device requires that the driver breathe into the device prior to starting the engine. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start. While driving, the IID will require subsequent breath tests, to verify that alcohol has not been ingested. (Wikipedia)
Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare Counties require the IID installation on first-time DUI (driving under the influence) offenders as part of a pilot program (study regarding DUI recidivism). However, unlike these counties, Orange County is not one of the counties mandating Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) in vehicles on a First DUI offense (California Vehicle Code sections 23152(a) & (b)).
However, in all California counties, including Orange County, the IID for 2nd and subsequent DUI convictions (only alcohol-related) shortens the driver’s license suspension period. For example, with a Second DUI conviction out of Newport Beach, previously the person would serve a minimum of one year without a driver’s license (including work). Now, the law has changed: after a minimum of 90-days, as long as other conditions are met, the person may obtain a driver’s license by installing an IID. Similarly, with a Third DUI conviction, regardless if it occurred in Huntington Beach, Fullerton, or Irvine, the person would lose their license for 18-months. Now, with installation of the IID, and other conditions are met, the driving privilege will be returned after six months.
In addition, to DUI offenses, the DMV and Courts also require installation of the IID for convictions related to driving on a suspended license (California Vehicle Code sections 14601.2, 14601.4 or 14601.5). These suspended license violations relate to a driver’s license suspension as a result of DUI offenses. For example, if one drives in Irvine when their license is suspended, because they did not pay fees, they would not be required to install the IID to clear the suspension. If, however, a person is caught driving in Laguna Beach on a suspended license, which was suspended as a result of a DUI, then the IID will be mandated.
Although the IID may be required by Courts and the DMV to obtain or retain driving privileges, private companies are the providers. (IID Certified Providers) These providers, of course, charge for the service of installation and then the required periodic calibrations. The cost of the IID depends on the number of months the IID is required.
If you have any other questions regarding the Ignition Interlock Device go to the DMV website (DMV website).
