Ignition Interlock Device - DUI DWAI Attorney Colorado Springs - Denver, Colorado

Restoring Driving Privileges After a DUI Conviction

What Is the Ignition Interlock Device?

The Ignition Interlock Device is fairly simple. In order to start the engine, you must breathe into the device, which measures and records alcohol. If it detects alcohol, the car will not start. The measurement is recorded every time you start the car to enforce sober driving. As you drive, you will also periodically need to blow into the interlock device to verify you haven't been drinking. You will be required to pay an installation fee and a monthly maintenance fee to the company that installs the device in your vehicle. Also, you will be required to take the vehicle to the Interlock Company once per month for calibration and to allow them to download the reports and send them to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

When Is the Ignition Interlock Device Required?

Colorado law comes down hard on DUI offenders. The DUI defense attorneys at Daniel, Thom & Katzman, P.C., can help. Each DUI defense attorney at our firm has more than 30 years of experience helping Denver and Colorado Springs clients with license suspension, or revocation.

To schedule a free initial consultation, call a DUI defense lawyer at our firm toll free at 1-877-DUI-COLO or contact us.

There are several circumstances that will require the Ignition Interlock Device to reinstate your driver’s license.

On a first DUI offense, if your license is revoked and your BAC is under .170, you will be required to have the interlock device for eight months (or if you have four consecutive reports with no fails you will receive a letter from the DMV that you can remove the device early) if you want to participate in Early Reinstatement. If you do not reinstate your privileges early and remain under revocation with no driving privileges for the full nine-month revocation, then you will not be required to install the interlock. If your BAC is over .170, you will be required to have the Ignition Interlock Device in your car for two years from the date of reinstatement regardless of whether or not you choose to reinstate your privileges early.

You will also be required to have the Ignition Interlock Device installed to reinstate your driving privileges if you have been revoked for multiple administrative actions involving a BAC of .08 or greater. If you receive two alcohol-related driving convictions within five years, or three or more offenses in a lifetime, you will be required to have the Ignition Interlock Device to reinstate.

If you are caught driving in a vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device when you are driving on an Interlock Restricted License, you will face new criminal charges.

Our attorneys can help you navigate the confusing administrative process, including participation in the Ignition Interlock Device program.