Depending on the circumstances surrounding your California drunk driving charge, you may need to install a device known as an ignition interlock on your vehicle for a set period after getting your driver’s license back. At Kosnett Law Firm, we are well-versed in the types of situations that warrant the installation of ignition interlock devices, and we have helped many clients navigate this and other hurdles relating to driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to Occupational Health & Safety, you can anticipate having to install an ignition interlock device, which tests your level of intoxication before allowing you to drive, if your situation meets one of two specific circumstances. If you are a repeat-DUI offender, you can plan on having to finance and install this device, and you can also plan on doing so if you are a first-time offender, but you injured someone while driving under the influence.
So, just how long can you expect to have to keep the ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle? Typically, the required installation period lasts somewhere between one and four years, depending on circumstances. This is not always the case, however, and in some instances, first-time DUI offenders who do not cause injuries to others may still have to install these devices.
Currently, it is at the discretion of the court whether to make a first-time DUI offender who does not cause injuries to install an ignition interlock device on his or her vehicle. Should the court decide to issue you such a requirement, you could potentially have to install an ignition interlock device for a period not to exceed six months. You can learn more about the DUI defense on our webpage.
