Ignition Interlock Device

If you have been convicted of Driving Under the Influence in Pennsylvania two or more times, you may only be allowed to drive with an ignition interlock device. If a driver has been convicted of a second or subsequent DUI in Pennsylvania, then their driver’s license will be suspended for one full year. During that one year suspension they are not permitted to drive for any reason. After the one year suspension, a driver can apply for a limited license, which requires the installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle that is driven by the alleged offender for an additional year before the driver can apply for an unrestricted license.

If any driver who is required to have an ignition interlock device on their car does not comply with the ignition interlock requirements, they may be subjected to harsh penalties.

West Chester Ignition Interlock Device Attorney

Attorney Michael J. Skinner represents individuals charged with DUI and ignition interlock violations in West Chester, Pennsylvania, as well as the surrounding areas in Delaware County. Contact the Skinner Law Firm today for a consultation regarding your DUI and ignition interlock device at (267) 388-3476.

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Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in Pennsylvania

The ignition interlock device is a machine installed in a driver’s vehicle to measure the alcohol content in the driver’s breath before their vehicle will start. It also measures the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at random intervals while they are driving. The ignition interlock device will not permit someone’s car to start if their BAC is over .0%, and will shut their car off if their BAC registers over .0% while they are driving.

The ignition interlock device is also known as the "rolling breathalyzer" because it is similar to the breathalyzer machine used by law enforcement officers to measure a person’s BAC.

According to Pennsylvania Statutes § 3805, if any driver is convicted of a second or subsequent DUI offense on or after September 30, 2003, they can no longer serve an additional one year suspension in lieu of obtaining an ignition interlock device.

Under the current law, those drivers are now required to install ignition interlock device on all vehicles owned or leased in their name for one year before unrestricted driving privileges can be restored.

Companies that have been approved to install the ignition interlock device in Pennsylvania include:

• PA Interlock
• Keystone SmartStart
• Intoxalock
• National Interlock

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Exemptions for Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s current laws regarding ignition interlock devices also provide for certain exceptions or exemptions to the interlock device requirement. The exemptions include:

Financial Hardship Exemption for the Ignition Interlock Device - Drivers may apply for an exemption from the requirement to install the ignition interlock device on all of their vehicles if they face substantial financial hardship. If the exemption is granted, ignition interlock installation will only be required on one vehicle.

Employment Exemption for the Ignition Interlock Device - Under certain circumstances, ignition interlock restricted drivers may operate employer-owned vehicles, but only in the course and scope of employment. The employee must notify the employer of the ignition interlock restriction and carry proof of employer notification on a PennDOT form. The employer-owned vehicle cannot be a vehicle for school purposes or a large passenger vehicle.

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Violations of the Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in Pennsylvania

Any individual subject to the provisions for the Ignition Interlock Device who drives a vehicle that does not comply with these requirements may be subjected to severe punishments. Additionally, if anyone tampers with the ignition interlock device, they can incur additional penalties. Those punishments include:

• For a first offense - The ignition interlock device requirement will be extended for an additional 12 months after the date of conviction.

• For a second offense - The driver's license will be suspended for a 12 months for any second or subsequent conviction, in addition to the initial 12 month suspension. When the driver is eligible to have his driving privileges reinstated, the driver must then comply with the ignition interlock device requirements for an additional 12 months.

• Other types of violations - If a driver’s license is suspended during the ignition interlock period due to another violation that does not involve non-compliance or tampering with the ignition interlock device, then those individuals must complete the ignition interlock period requirements upon restoration of the driving privileges.

Under Pennsylvania law, individuals suspended from driving a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device or driving under a DUI-related suspension with a BAC of .02% or greater cannot receive credit for their suspension until jail time has been served.

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Skinner Law Firm | West Chester Ignition Interlock Device Attorney

If you have been charged with DUI in Chester County or Delaware County with violating the requirements of an ignition interlock device, contact the Skinner Law Firm today. Attorney Michael J. Skinner will hear the facts of your particular case, and make every effort to help you avoid severe penalties. Contact the Skinner Law Firm at (267) 388-3476 for a consultation about your ignition interlock device questions or concerns associated with your DUI offense.