Do You Know That Illinois May Order You to Install a Breath-Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device in Your Car?
On January 1, 2009, a new law went into effect that changed the driver's license suspension rules first-time DUI offenders in Illinois. If you are arrested for a first offense drunk driving and want to be allowed to drive, you will be required to participate in the Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) program and have a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed in every car you own — at your own expense.
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, call an accomplished DUI lawyer to protect your rights. I am Attorney Alan E. Jones, and I have been practicing traffic and drunk-driving defense for 20 years.
For a free initial consultation, contact experienced DUI lawyer Alan E. Jones online, or call toll free: 866-916-0944.
Getting a Breath-Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device to Keep Your License
The requirement to get an ignition interlock device applies to people who have been arrested for a first drunk-driving offense, which is usually charged as misdemeanor DUI. Its purpose is to prevent alcohol abuse and multiple DUI offenses.
As in the past, if you arrested for a first drunk-driving offense, your driver's license is automatically suspended unless you challenge that suspension. Now, if you are allowed to retain your driver's license, it will be on the condition that you install an ignition interlock device in each of your cars at your own expense.
Before you can start your car, you will have to blow into the device, which performs a breath-alcohol test. If your blood-alcohol content registers at .025 or higher, the ignition interlock device will not allow your car to start.
Each ignition interlock device costs about $80 in monthly rent. There is an installation fee of about $100, and monthly monitoring costs about $30.
In order to drive with an ignition interlock device, you will need to request a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) from the court. Your MDDP will not be valid until the 31st day of the statutory summary suspension period.
The ignition interlock device is required merely because you were arrested and either refused or failed a chemical test. There are additional penalties if you are convicted, including thousands of dollars in fines and possible prison time. A conviction may also affect future employment and insurance rates.
For a free initial consultation, contact DUI Attorney Alan E. Jones online, or call toll free: 866-916-0944.
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