Following a DWI/drunk driving conviction in Nassau County, Long Island, you will be required by New York State law to install an ignition interlock device into your vehicle. An ignition interlock device is a compact, handheld device that you install into your vehicle. The ignition interlock device examines your breath and tests to see if there is any amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. If the device does detect alcohol, the interlock ignition device will prevent your vehicle’s engine from starting. In some cases, you may be required to take periodic tests while you drive, but the ignition interlock device cannot stop your car while you’re operating it.

Additionally, ignition interlock devices are equipped with recording devices that count the number of times the automobile was started or the driver tried to start it, as well as the operator’s blood alcohol content at the time an attempt was made to start the car, and how long the automobile was driven during the monitoring period.

Generally speaking, the interlock device is a computerized in-car breathalyzer. You may have heard this device by a few other names. Some people refer to it as an in-car breathalyzer, a car interlock, a blow-and-go, or something else. No matter what you call the device, you want to avoid needing one at all costs.

According to New York State law, “if an ignition interlock device is ordered by a court, the system must be installed on each vehicle the motorist owns or operates. The device must remain installed for at least one year. The ignition interlock restriction will be added to the driver’s license record even if the license is revoked. The restriction will appear on the back of the driver’s license document as an ‘interlock device.’”

Who Is Required To Install An Ignition Interlock Device?

Because it measures the amount of alcohol in the driver’s breath, installing an ignition interlock device is a typical consequence following a drunk driving conviction in New York. In New York State, Leandra’s Law is upheld, the details of which are as follows:

“Leandra’s Law was signed into law on November 18, 2009, in honor of Leandra Rosado. Leandra was an 11-year-old killed while she rode in a vehicle with the intoxicated mother of one of her friends. In response to this tragedy, the NY State Legislature made several changes to the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). The law strengthened the penalties against motorists who drink and drive over the limit and required that

  • Pursuant to New York Vehicle & Traffic Law (VTL) Section 1192 2-a(b), any person operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and transporting a child age 15 or younger is guilty of a Class E Felony.
  • any person sentenced for (DWI) Driving While Intoxicated on or after August 15, 2010, must have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle they own or operate
  • the driver will have an “ignition interlock” restriction added to their driver’s license.

Where Do You Get An (IID) Ignition Interlock Device?

There are many ways you find an ignition interlock installation service. Some local auto body shops and mechanics have received training from ignition interlock device manufacturers, who you can hire to install and service the device.

Some manufacturers of ignition interlock devices have the device available as a lease, or you can purchase the device outright. 

How Much Money Does It Cost To Have An Ignition Interlock Device Installed Into My Car?

There are many different manufacturers, distributors and installers of ignition interlock devices. Each one will offer the services at a different cost. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend upwards of $2,000 to have the ignition interlock device installed into your car.

How Can I Avoid Getting An (IID) Ignition Interlock Device?

As you already know, driving under the influence is dangerous and illegal. Aside from the fact that you could hurt or kill yourself or anyone else on the road, your life could be severely impacted after getting arrested for a crime of this nature, as the consequences can be severe. One of these consequences, of course, is getting the ignition interlock device.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, a successful outcome in this case will be a challenge. If you need to fight a Driving While Intoxicated charge in New York State, you need the help of a determined and hardworking attorney who will fight aggressively to have your charges reduced or, if possible, fully dismissed.

You will have the best chance of getting out of this consequence if you hire the right Nassau County, Long Island lawyer right away, giving your lawyer the opportunity to develop a strong case for your defense before it’s too late. As soon as you have been arrested, schedule an in-depth criminal case evaluation with Gianni Karmily.