Ignition Interlock Device
You’re probably familiar with breathalyzers, the tools law enforcement uses to determine a person’s blood alcohol concentration. What you might not know is, as a part of DUI sentencing, the state of Colorado will sometimes require you to install your breathalyzer to your car’s engine. These machines are known as an ignition interlock device (IID) and you will not be able to turn your car’s engine on until you can provide a breath sample with a BAC below .08 %.
If you’ve been convicted of multiple DUIs, then you should expect the installation of an ignition interlock device as a part of your sentencing. All the cost for the installation as well as the monthly calibration fees will also be out of your pocket. Once you have the IID installed, you will not be able to use your vehicle if your BAC is over .08. Additionally, these machines have been known to malfunction in the past. You may provide a breath sample sober and still be unable to use your car because your IID is faulty.
If you or someone you know has been accused of DUI or DWAI, it’s within your best interest to seek out legal representation.
Denver DUI Attorney | Colorado Ignition Interlock Device Program
When the stakes are high, do not gamble with a general practitioner attorney to defend your rights. Enlist an experienced criminal defense attorney prepared to challenge the evidence obtained against you and mitigate any potential damages.
If you select the Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C., you can rest assure that your defense is in good hands. DUI defense attorney Matthew Martin in Denver has devoted his entire career to criminal law matters. For more than 13 years, he was a district attorney, which included experience as a prosecutor in Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. He knows how prosecutors think. He’s prepared to challenge the evidence obtained against you, while fighting for a reduced sentence.
Call (303) 725-0017 to set up your first consultation free of charge. Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. has offices throughout the greater Denver metropolitan area and surrounding counties including Boulder County, Adams County, Broomfield County, Douglas County, Arapahoe County, and Jefferson County.
Information Center:
- What’s an Ignition Interlock Device or IID?
- How Long Do I Need an Ignition Interlock Device in Colorado?
- Costs of IID in Colorado
- Additional Resources
What’s an Ignition Interlock Device or IID?
An ignition interlock device, also referred to as IID, is simply a breathalyzer attached to your vehicle’s engine. Once the device is installed, you will not be able to start your car without submitting a breath sample. If the IID detects a BAC at or above .08 %, then the engine will lock itself until an appropriate amount of time has passed.
The IID basically deems your car useless if you’re at or above the legal limit. The device may also log the event internally and sent it to the proper authorities. You may think that you can simply have a friend or family member blow into the car so you can drive. However, the makers of IIDs have already anticipated this by implementing “rolling samples.” These are essentially required re-tests that may happen randomly while you’re driving.
If you blow a .08 or above during a rolling sample, the car will automatically flashlights, use windshield wipers, and honk the horn excessively until you’ve pulled over. The car will then automatically lock it’s engine once it’s parked.
How Long Do I Need an Ignition Interlock Device in Colorado?
Offenders who wish to have their license reinstated early can install an ignition interlock device. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will allow you to reinstate your license if you install an IID and present them with the affidavit proving it. You’re only allowed to reinstate your license after you’ve served one month of revocation and after you’ve finished installing your IID. The following are the restraint periods you must follow to obtain early reinstatement:
- 8 months for your first DUI
- 2 years for your first DUI above .15 BAC
- 2 years if it’s your second DUI conviction
If you refused chemical BAC testing, then the court will also require you to install an ignition interlock device. A refusal will result in a two-year interlock requirement if you’d like to obtain early license reinstatement.
Habitual traffic offenders are also required to install an ignition interlock device. You could be eligible for early license reinstatement with a one-year interlock requirement for the remainder of your revocation if the following is true.
- One of the offenses contributing to your HTO status was on or after July 1, 2000; and
- You served at least one month of your license revocation and was approved for early reinstatement by CDOR
How Much Does an Ignition Interlock Device Cost in Colorado?
Unfortunately, the state of Colorado will not assist you financially if you’re required to install an IID. You must pay the full cost of the installation yourself as well as the monthly calibration payments. The device also can’t be from any old provider, it must have been approved by the Department of Revenue (CDOR) from a certified provider to count as an IID.
The general cost and installation for an IID in the state of Colorado includes:
- Refundable Deposit – $100
- Installation Costs – $100
- Monthly Calibration Costs – $80
Additional Resources
Colorado’s Laws on Ignition Interlock Devices – Visit the official website for Colorado Revised Statues to read up on their legislation in regard to ignition interlock devices. Access the statutes to find out what DUI crimes require an IID installation, how providers are certified, and more.
Certified Interlock Providers | Colorado DMV– Visit the official website for the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) to access a list of state-approved interlock providers certified under Colorado law. Access their sites to find a price quote, get answers to your frequently asked questions, and obtain contact information from IID providers.
DUI Denver Lawyer | Interlock Laws in Colorado
Whether you are a repeat offender accused of drunk driving or were recently pulled over with a blood alcohol content of .17 or higher, seek experienced legal help immediately. DUI penalties are life-altering, including jail time, extensive fines and a requirement to install an ignition interlock system on your car.
When the stakes are high, do not gamble with a general practitioner attorney to defend your rights. Enlist an experienced criminal defense attorney with Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. prepared to challenge the evidence obtained against you and mitigate any potential damages. Matthew Martin has over 2 decades of trial experience he can utilize for your case. Call (303) 725-0017 now to set up your first consultation with him free of charge.