If you have been convicted of a DUI in Vista, you may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This is particularly true if you have been convicted of driving on a suspended license that was originally revoked due to a DUI.

These devices are similar to breathalyzers in that they use your breath to detect the amount of alcohol in your system. The difference is that these devices aren’t only used when police suspect you may be driving while inebriated, but instead must be used every time you wish to operate your vehicle.

When an ignition interlock device is installed on your vehicle, you will be required to provide a breath sample every time you want to start your car. If you have any alcohol in your system, the car will not start. After the car is running, you will be required to provide another breath sample at a randomly chosen point in time. This is required to prevent an intoxicated driver from simply asking someone else to breathe into the machine.

If the driver tests positive on this second test or refuses to offer a breath sample, this will be recorded and the machine will cause the car to start flashing its lights and honking its horn until the vehicle is brought to a complete stop.

If you have been ordered to install an interlock device on your vehicle, you will be held responsible for the cost of the initial installation, as well as the cost of having the device maintained every sixty days as required by law.

While these devices can be a bit of a hassle, they are still a better option than being unable to drive your vehicle at all. On a second and third DUI conviction, you will be required to install an  interlock device before getting your license back.  The good news is that this law has shortened the suspension period and allow you to drive for work and the DUI program.

In some counties, you are required to install an interlock device on your first DUI.

If you would like to find out if installing an ignition interlock device could help you get back on the road, please speak with experienced DUI lawyers. Vista courts are open to this idea, but will not agree to work with you on your own. You will first need to converse with a Vista DUI attorney like Peter M. Liss.

Alternatively, if you have been ordered to install an interlock device and do not think you should be subjected to such penalties, please call a legal representative from our office at (760) 643-4050 to discuss your options as soon as possible.

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