When facing DUI charges in Florida, one may have concerns about the future. A DUI conviction can come with repercussions that can impact one both on a personal level and professionally. In some cases, one may lose their driving privileges for a set time. Like other states, there is a program in place in Florida that will allow drivers to have their license reinstated after installing an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. Those eligible for this program can benefit from understanding how it works.
Ignition interlock device
Anyone with an open DUI sanction that mandates an ignition interlocking device must have the device installed before license reinstatement. The time one is required to keep this device installed varies from case to case based on the terms of the conviction. Once installed on the vehicle, the device will require the driver to blow into the tube before the vehicle starts.
The device will perform rolling tests while on the road. The driver will have three minutes from the time the test is requested to blow into the tube on the device. The device will not turn the vehicle off at any time, even if the device registers a violation. Violations include two breath tests above the blood alcohol threshold, refusal to submit to a rolling test, a rolling test with a BAL above the threshold, and device tampering.
Legal advice when charged with DUI
A DUI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and loss of one’s driving privileges. For some, this could put one’s career in jeopardy. When facing serious charges related to driving under the influence, one can benefit from consulting a Florida criminal defense lawyer to understand one’s options.