Ignition Interlock Device

Our DWI Attorneys in Manhattan, White Plains and Stamford will tell you that, in 2009, the New York State Legislature passed a law requiring that anyone convicted of a DWI related offense must install an ignition interlock device in their car at their own expense.

During the period in which the court orders you to maintain an interlock device (which is usually six months) you may not operate any car without an interlock device in the State of New York.

Installation of the interlock device will be ordered at the conclusion of the criminal case.

The driver is responsible for paying the installation fee, as well as all monthly maintenance fees – unless they can prove financial hardship to the Judge.

When a driver enters the car, most IID devices have a camera which records a picture prior to blowing (so that the driver cannot have someone else blow for them).

The car will not start unless the driver successfully registers a BAC of less than .02%.

Our Manhattan, Fairfield and Westchester County DWI Lawyers will explain to you that any failed IID test will trigger an automatic notification to the Department of Probation as well as the Judge.

In addition to requiring that the driver successfully blow into the IID device prior to the car starting, the IID device will also require additional positive tests after the car is moving.

This requirement was added by the New York State Legislature to prevent drivers from starting a vehicle while sober but then consuming alcohol after the vehicle has already started.

The periodic tests are denoted by the IID machine beeping every 20 minutes after the vehicle has started.

Accordingly, if you or someone you know has been charged with DWI in Westchester County, New York or Connecticut – and ordered to install an ignition interlock device – call our Manhattan, Stamford and White Plains DWI Attorneys immediately. The call is absolutely free and our attorneys are standing by 24/7 to assist you.