Interlock Device? Who needs it? How long?
Arizona DUI Services offers ignition interlock discounts.
If you need to get an ignition interlock for your vehicle, Arizona DUI Services has you covered! Arizona DUI Services, have partnered up with Intoxalock and can help offset some of the costs of the device. But who needs the interlock device, and for how long?
What is an ignition interlock?
An ignition interlock is a device you install into your vehicle that prevents your vehicle from starting unless a clean blow into the device is recorded. An ignition interlock is easy and safe to use. Do you need an interlock device?
How do I know if I need an ignition interlock?
Anytime you are convicted of a DUI in Arizona, you will be ordered to install an ignition interlock in your vehicle. (A.R.S. 28-3319). According to MADD, interlock devices drop repeat offenders by nearly 66% (https://www.madd.org/the-solution/drunk-driving/ignition-interlocks/). The statistics show interlocks save lives. The length of time you will need an interlock device varies.
How long do I need the ignition interlock in my vehicle?
Times vary due to the grade of the DUI and the total number of DUIs present on your Motor Vehicle Record. Let’s break it down. You will get an interlock device for 12 months for the following reasons: being convicted of a DUI, being convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or more but less than 0.20, for being convicted of an aggravated DUI, and lastly for any repeat offenses (A.R.S. 28-3319, Section D, Paragraph 1).
Why an Interlock for longer than 12 months?
You will get an interlock device for 18 months if convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol content of 0.20 or higher (A.R.S. 28-3319, Section D, Paragraph 2). Lastly, you will need an interlock device for two years for the following reasons: For being convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol content of 0.20 or higher, with that conviction being a repeat offense, being convicted of a DUI while having a bad license, for being convicted of a third or subsequent DUI in 84 months, for being convicted of a DUI while under interlock order, and for being convicted of a DUI while driving on the wrong side of a highway (A.R.S. 28-3319, Section D, Paragraph 3). If you are a first-time offender, there may be a bright light at the end of the tunnel.
Looking for some good news?
The MVD does offer some clients the opportunity to defer their interlock order time! If you have been ordered to install an interlock device for 12 months, you may defer the time from 12 to 6 months. The formula for having the interlock deferred is as follows:
- Having completed 16 16-hour DUI education courses, which Arizona DUI Services offers all online.
- Maintain a functional interlock device and meet all the state and manufacturer requirements.
- No dirty blows! You cannot attempt to operate your vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher two or more times during your driving restriction.
- Finally, during the DUI incident, there must not be any property damage or physical injury to a bystander. You are, lastly, providing all the needed information to the state that involves your alcohol education, interlock provider, and alcohol screening (A.R.S. 28-3319, Section G). The excellent news is that Intoxalock reports all your blows and calibrations to the MVD in real time! But what is a clean blow?
How do you use the ignition interlock?
The following example is based on the Intoxalock device. The first step is to press the button on the device and wait until the screen reads ‘blow.’ Then, blow into the device mouthpiece, inhale through the mouthpiece, and exhale into the mouthpiece until the device vibrates. The screen will then show you your blood alcohol content, and if the screen reads ‘start the car,’ put your keys into the ignition and be on your way!
The interlock device isn’t just for starting your car.
It is essential to understand that at random times while driving, the ignition interlock will start beeping, requiring a clean blow. If that happens, find a safe place to pull over in a reasonable amount of time and complete the steps again. Also, during your installation, a qualified technician with Intoxalock will provide you with one-on-one instruction, so feel free to ask questions.
Where can you get an ignition interlock?
As stated earlier, we have partnered with Intoxalock, which has Nationwide coverage. Intoxalock has a facility in every county in Arizona and, in most cases, multiple locations. When you purchase an interlock device from Intoxalock through our website, you will get a $150 rebate after installation and your first month for free. To buy the Intoxalock interlock device through our website, on our ‘home’ page, just below our top banner, you will find a button with the Intoxalock logo. AND new to Arizona, Intoxalock offers mobile installations, calibrations, and device removals. Get the interlock device installed at your home! Intoxalock provides two ways to start the process to make it easy on our clients. Click Here or call 833 615-0399 and mention AZDUI referred you. Either way, it will lead to an appointment to install the device. Thanks for reading the blog. Have a great day, and God bless!