What You Need to Know About the Ignition Interlock Device

Austin DWI defense attorney Charlie Roadman discusses some common issues with the Ignition Interlock Device.
The IID is a device installed in vehicles that requires the driver to blow into it to start and operate the car. It serves multiple purposes: for the judge, it's a community safety measure; for the prosecutor, it monitors potential drinking problems; and for the defense attorney, it's a chance to show the court the defendant can follow rules.
Roadman emphasizes that those ordered to use an IID are almost certainly also instructed not to consume alcohol at all, even when not driving. Violating this rule can have serious consequences. He outlines two sets of rules for IIDs: those from the rental company and those from the judge, with the latter being more important. For example, a company may allow a few alcohol violations before locking the car, but judges will likely not tolerate any.
IIDs can detect alcohol from drinking beverages and other sources like mouthwash or kombucha. False positives can occur, but washing the mouth out thoroughly and retesting can prove innocence. Failing to retest after a positive result can lead to assumptions of alcohol consumption.
A common violation scenario involves residual alcohol from the night before still being in the system the next morning. Roadman advises against common excuses for violations, stating that the only acceptable excuse is retesting to prove the initial positive was false.
For more information about Charlie: roadmanlaw.com/
Charlie's book The Defendant's Guide to Defense (How to Help Your Lawyer Get the Best Result) is available on Amazon: www.amazon.com...

[@alannabrewton8840]

Thank you for this! I'll be sharing this with my DWI class I teach. I love,"The excuses that won't work...." Thanks again!-Alanna Brewton Breathe Kannapolis, NC

[@AustinCriminalDefense]

Fantastic! You are welcome. 🙂

[@jesusceballos7277]

I currently have an issue right now, I finished my interlock contract in June and I still have it on now in September, but I was told due to not apply for a restricted license I will have to restart my entire time the whole year all over again what can I do ?

[@rickystallard3468]

Thank you.

[@erickromero010]

What if I completed all my obligations. Not on probation and require interlock for 14 months. can I get a hearing for financial hardship or an exemption to eliminate interlock entirely. Went to rehab and don’t drink. Just seems like an inconvenience to recalibrate every 60 days. Cost a lot and manual trans so if i stall in traffic etc
Have no had one installed

[@frankmontez6853]

Is it common to get it with first dwi ? And what if you have more than one car ?

[@GET-OUT-OF-LIFE-ALIVE]

I had to have one for a year...and they are a money pit...mine was eighty dollars a month...the one I had violated me four times because the interlock that was in my car was defective, the unit I blew in would start smoking and stop working..but they would say it wasn't their part it was my car dropping voltage...so when I had to pay 130 dollars Plus tax so I could drive my car...

[@Gmaillup]

Very helpful thank you