Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device
What is a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device?
A Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BIID) is a device used to monitor a persons blood alcohol concentration.
It is type of breathalyzer device installed on a vehicles dashboard. Before a vehicle can be started the driver must blow into the BIID to start the vehicle.
If the driver’s BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is higher than .02-.04 then the vehicle will not start.
After the vehicle has been started the BIDD will require other breath samples. If the sample is not provided or the breath sample is over the BAC required then the vehicle will warn the driver and turn on an alarm. The alarm will often cause the horn to honk, lights to flash, etc. This alarm will continue until a legal sample is provided.
A Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device will not shut the car off once the vehicle has already been started. It will however keep a record of the event. Authorities often require a review of this log. If there are violations on the log then additional penalties and fines can be implemented.
In some states an ignition interlock device is required after a DUI conviction. In other states following a license suspension or DUI conviction an ignition interlock device is required to maintain or regain driving privileges.
How much does a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device Cost?
An ignition interlock device cost is between $50 – $100 per month. In addition to the monthly fee there is also an installation fee. The installation price ranges from $100 – $250. There can also be maintenance expenses if the device is needed for more than six months.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions can require you to use and pay for an ignition device. This includes all fees monthly, installation, and maintenance.
In some cases courts will reduce the penalties of DUI fines so that the driver can pay for the cost of ignition interlock device.