What Is An Ignition Interlock Device?

Since July of 2003, installation of an approved ignition interlock device is a mandated or required DUI conviction penalty. Proof of installation must be shown before a person with certain DUI convictions is able to get their diving privilege back. This 2003 mandate applies to all residents of Gainesville, Alachua County and all of Florida.

DUI Convictions that mandate ignition interlock device placement & (the time frame required) are: 

·        For a DUI with a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) over 0.15 (at least 6 months)  

·        If there was a minor in the vehicle at the time of the DUI arrest (at least 6 months)  

·        For a 2^nd DUI conviction (at least one year)  

·        For a 2^nd DUI conviction with a BAC over 0.15 or if minor in the vehicle (at least 2 years)  

·        For a 3^rd DUI conviction (at least 2 years)  

The device must be approved by the DMV and placed on all vehicles that are individually or jointly owed or leased and routinely operated by the convicted person.  Additionally all costs for the purchase, placement and monthly monitoring and calibration are borne by the convicted person.   The time periods that are mandated for the device's placement and use must be consecutive and cannot correspond with imprisonment time. 

The ignition interlock device itself plugs into the cigarette lighter of the automobile and is hard-wired to the vehicle's ignition system.  Before the car can be started, the convicted person must blow into the mouthpiece of the device.  The machine is similar to other breath testing machines as it reads breath alcohol concentration. The main difference is that this device is used inside the car and will not allow the car to start unless the driver's breath alcohol level is under a certain concentration. Additionally, periodic breath sampling is required to continue the vehicle's operation.  

The goal of a vehicle ignition interlock device is to prevent a person that has been drinking from starting and then operating a vehicle.  

If the person is otherwise eligible, a driver license will be issued with a “P” restriction indicating interlock device is required. The required time period for interlock officially begins on the day the "P" interlock restriction is issued.

Court Reporting Requirements

Most courts electronically report DUI convictions to the department. The court order should reflect both the time of suspension and the interlock requirement. Please check with your clerk of court to verify that the electronic reporting from your court includes this ignition interlock requirement.

Costs of an Interlock

The cost (plus tax) to the convicted person for an ignition interlock device is:

• $70 for installation
  
  
• $67.50 for monthly monitoring and calibration
  
  
• $100 refundable deposit or a $5 monthly insurance charge

Indigency Guidelines

If the court determines that the convicted person is unable to pay for the installation of the ignition interlock device, the court may order that a portion of the fine paid by the person for a violation of section 316.193 be allocated to defray the costs of installing the device. [s.316.1937(2)(d), Florida Statutes]