Baltimore Ignition Interlock Program
An ignition interlock is a handheld breath testing device. It is usually attached under the steering column of an individual’s vehicle. The individual must blow into the ignition interlock every time they start the car and then randomly blow into the device while they are driving the car. If the individual blows alcohol into the machine, the machine stops the individual from being able to operate their motor vehicle until they can provide a sample that does not contain any alcohol. A Baltimore DUI lawyer can help challenge a Baltimore ignition interlock program order to install an ignition interlock device, or smooth out the process for a client.
When Ignition Interlock Devices are Used in Baltimore
The ignition interlock program is now required for anyone who is convicted of or receives a PBJ for an alcohol-related DUI offense (§ 21-902(a) and (b)), or for anyone whose license is suspended for an accumulation of points for an alcohol-related DUI offense. Previously, courts had discretion whether to order ignition interlock in most cases for a person who received a PBJ for driving under the influence of alcohol.
A person must participate in the ignition interlock program for 6 months for a first offense, one year for a second offense, and three years for a third or subsequent offense. The clock begins to run once the driver brings proof of installation of the device to the MVA.
The device must be professionally installed by one of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s approved interlock providers. Installation is around $200 plus a monthly rental fee for the ignition interlock between $70 and $100 a month. There is also a fee for removing the device from the vehicle at the end of the lease.
Installing the Device to Get a Restricted License
If the case can’t be defeated at the office administrative hearing and the individual can’t find a way to live without a license for the period of their hard suspension, their only choice to continue driving is to install the ignition interlock device in their vehicle. Once the MVA receives proof of installation of the ignition interlock device, the driver will be issued an interlock-restricted driver’s license. The driver is only permitted to drive a vehicle fitted with the ignition interlock device and will incur criminal and monetary penalties for failing to comply with the license restriction.
Other Alcohol Measuring Devices Used in Baltimore
Very rarely the court may order an individual to wear a SCRAM bracelet. This is a bracelet that measures alcohol content through the skin. It is extraordinarily rare in comparison to ignition interlock. For every thousand ignition interlock devices installed in Baltimore, there may be one case where an individual is ordered to wear a SCRAM bracelet.
How a Baltimore DUI Attorney Can Help
A Baltimore DUI attorney can help you avoid the DUI conviction and the suspension of your license. If that challenge is successful; there would be no requirement for the installation of ignition interlock. Nobody wants to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. It is an extraordinarily embarrassing and unpleasant experience, so if there’s any way to beat the requirement to install the ignition interlock, everyone prefers that.
If an individual is required to have the interlock in their car, then a Baltimore DUI attorney can help the individual in selecting a provider for the device. There are some significant quality differences between the different providers, so it makes sense to talk to an attorney who has experience in this area of law prior to choosing who will install the ignition interlock device.