What you need to know about the Ignition Interlock Program
In Maryland, one potential consequence of being convicted of a DUI is the requirement to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program.
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Contacting the MVA
The person convicted of the DUI offense must contact one of the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) authorized Ignition Interlock Service Providers to schedule installation of an ignition interlock device in the vehicle the person will be driving. After installation and receiving written proof that the device was installed, the person will need to get a new driver's license. The new license will now include a restriction with the code letter "J." Participation in the program does not take effect until the device is installed and you receive your new driver's license with restrictions. -
How the Interlock Device Works
The interlock ignition device requires the driver to blow into a breathalyzer to test the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) every time they want to drive their car. The device is connected to the car so that if the driver's BAC is above the legal limit (0.08 in Maryland) or another programmed limit, the car will not start and the person will not be able to drive the car. Drivers will need to take the car to the authorized Ignition Interlock Service Provider every thirty (30) days so that the provider can collect information captured by the device and make sure it is functioning properly. The provider will then send this information to the MVA. Information reported back to the MVA can include any instances where your BAC was high, if you tried starting the car without taking the test, if you tried tampering with or disconnecting the device, the number of times the car was started and stopped, and the distance travelled. -
Potential Problems that can Occur with the Interlock Device
The interlock device is very sensitive, so it is recommended that users rinse their mouth with water before blowing into the device to avoid a false positive. If, however, you have a BAC failure, wait about four to five minutes before taking another test. Then, if the second test indicates a BAC of 0.025 or less, there is no violation recorded by the device. But, if a retest is not registered within five minutes or if the BAC is 0.026 or higher, there is a violation. Another potential problem is when the service light on the device comes on before the next scheduled appointment. This can be triggered by a number of things including too many high BAC tests within a short period of time, blowing into the device incorrectly, or attempting to remove or tamper with the device. If the service light comes on early, you have five to seven days to have it serviced or the device will permanently lockout the vehicle. If you turn the vehicle off and the horn for the device goes off, it means that the device asked for a running retest and you turned the vehicle off without giving a retest. One final potential problem is if the device records less than fifty starts within the thirty day period. In order for the MVA to ensure you are maintaining your sobriety and driving a car with an interlock device, the device needs to register at least fifty (50) starts. If it does not, you will receive a letter warning you about it. And if the reason why you registered less than fifty (50) starts is because you simply did not use your car in a given period, then MVA requires you to send them a letter explaining why. -
What Happens if you Fail a Test?
Each time you register one or more failed tests during a given monitoring period, your required time of participation in the program will be extended one month. However, if you have four violations or more, you will be terminated from the program and your original driver's license suspension or revocation will be imposed. -
What Happens if you Successfully Complete the Program?
Once the required program period is completed without a violation during the final thirty (30) day period, the device is removed by the provider and you can get an unrestricted driver's license again.
