Ignition Interlock Devices
Ignition Interlock Devices, or IIDs, are now an option for persons with two or more DWI offenses. In Maine, a DWI offense is generally defined as a criminal conviction for drunk driving or an administrative suspension for DWI. Ironically, the IIDs are unavailable to first offenders.
The purpose of an IID is to ensure that DWI offenders cannot operate their cars while having any amount of alcohol in their blood. An IID is a breath-testing device that mounts to the dashboard of your car. Prior to starting the vehicle, a breath sample must be introduced. The machine is generally programmed to detect a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .02% or higher. If the IID detects alcohol exceeding that range, the engine will not turn over.
The IID also requires the driver to provide “rolling” samples during periods of driving. Obviously, this can be potentially hazardous if the driver doesn’t pull over to provide the sample. If the IID detects a BAC exceeding the programmed range, the onboard computer will log the event in its memory and then cause the vehicles lights and horns and flashers to activate until the engine is shut off. The car cannot be restarted until the driver provides a new “clean” sample of air.
IIDs are not perfect. Like Intoxilyzers and other breath testing devices, environmental or medical conditions can fool the IID into thinking it is detecting alcohol. An example would be mouthwash, or a person who is diabetic and emitting ketones on their breath. Under these scenarios, a false positive could be triggered and the driver could face serious sanctions that would include longer suspension times or even court imposed sanctions such as jail.
Another down side to IIDs is the cost involved. There are currently only a handful of dealers authorized to install and maintain the ignition interlock devices. You, the driver, are responsible for the purchase or rental of the IID. That includes the monthly maintenance costs associated with the machine; the rental fees and the costs to have the data downloaded and analyzed every month. Of course there is also the embarrassment of having an IID attached to your vehicle. If you wonder what the IID looks like, go rent the movie The 40 Year Old Virgin with Steve Carrell. Not only is this movie absolutely hilarious, but you’ll get to see first hand what an IID looks like.
In Maine, any person who fulfills all the requirements for reinstatement of their driver’s license, including the Driver Education and Evaluation Program (commonly known as DEEP), is eligible for early reinstatement of their driver’s license with the installation of an IID.
The following conditions apply for early reinstatement of a Maine driver’s license by the Maine Secretary of State through implementation of the IID program:
- A person with two DWI offenses may be reinstated after serving nine months of the three-year suspension with the installation of an approved ignition interlock device. The IID must remain in place on the vehicle for two years.
- A person with three DWI offenses may be reinstated after serving three years of a six-year suspension with the installation of an approved ignition interlock device. The IID must remain in place on the vehicle for three years.
- A person with four or more DWI offenses may be reinstated after the six-year suspension period ends with the installation of an approved ignition interlock device.
The best solution isn’t an ignition interlock device. Rather, the best solution to a DUI is total abstinence from alcohol when you know you’re going to be driving. In Maine, as in most other states, you don’t need to drive drunk in order to be convicted of a DWI. You’ll save yourself a lot of money and heartache if you follow this simple advice.
