What are the rules for driving with an IID in Florida?
One of the many penalties that may result from a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Florida is a court order to install an ignition interlock device (IID) to regain one’s driving privileges. A judge can require someone to install a device under a variety of circumstances.
A first DUI in Florida doesn’t automatically lead to an IID requirement, but it can. Those with a very high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of their arrest, usually 0.15% or higher, could be subject to an IID requirement. So could anyone with a minor in the car at the time of their arrest. Those arrested for a second DUI will generally have a one-year IID requirement, while third-time offenders may need to maintain an IID in their vehicles for at least three years. Although an IID can help someone keep their job and continue supporting their family, it is also an inconvenience.
The costs all fall on the person convicted of a DUI
Installing an ignition interlock device will add yet another expense to the often costly process of responding to impaired driving charges. The motorist with the DUI on their record will need to pay all the costs for the device and will also have to regularly present it for maintenance and pay for those service calls as well.
They will also have to endure the embarrassment of performing a test whenever they start their vehicle regardless of who is with them. They will also be subject to limitations on their driving. The most important rule about driving when one is subject to an IID requirement is that the driver can only operate a vehicle with an IID installed.
That means any vehicle that they will drive during that time, including a company vehicle driven occasionally for work, will need to have an IID inside it. If someone subject to an IID requirements gets caught driving a vehicle without an IID while in control of a vehicle without an IID installed, they will likely face arrest and a variety of penalties. They could also face penalties for a test result of 0.025% when trying to start their vehicle.
Understanding the rules that restrict one’s driving privileges after installing an IID due to a DUI offense may help someone more effectively weigh their defense-related options before going to court.
