Ignition interlock devices are one penalty New Hampshire courts impose on drivers who have been convicted of one or more instances of driving under the influence (DUI). Although they allow a person who has received a DUI conviction to drive, they restrict the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle if he or she has imbibed any alcohol prior to driving.
An ignition interlock device is, basically, a breath testing machine hooked to a car’s ignition system. The device will not allow the car to start until a breath sample has been provided. The device tests the breath sample, and if it detects alcohol, it will not let the car start. If there is no alcohol in the sample, the car will start. The driver may also be required to give breath samples at certain intervals while driving the car, as well as each time he or she tries to start the car after making any stop.
The ignition interlock device is often installed inside the glove compartment of a car so that a casual observer would not realize it exists. It is hard-wired to the ignition system. Most devices have a small onboard computer that records the date, time, and results of each sample. It may also record each attempt to start the car and whether it has been tampered with in certain ways. The driver is usually responsible for paying for the installation and for the removal when the restricted driving period ends.
Ignition interlock devices add another obligation to the already stiff penalties imposed on those convicted of DUI in New Hampshire. If you’re facing a DUI charge, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced New Hampshire DUI defense lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. Call us today for a free and confidential telephone consultation at (603) 614-5055.