Are Those Florida Ignition Interlock Violations Worth the Risk?

Even with a DUI conviction and a car breathalyzer or ignition interlock requirement in Florida, not everyone learns their lesson. Sure, people understand the theory behind not drinking and driving; that an intoxicated “ride” is killer, and not in a good way. But, there are those who believe they are okay to drive, even if they have already faced a DUI charge and already have an ignition interlock requirement. They’re the Florida DUI offenders who are facing some tough consequences for violations to their ignition interlock agreement.

Florida law states that any violations of the ignition interlock program will cause the DUI offender to lose their ignition interlock privilege (and ability to legally drive) for one year. If there is another violation during the ignition interlock requirement period, the offender will not be able to drive any vehicle, with or without an interlock, for five years.

So, how does an offender know that they are in violation of the program?  Common ignition interlock program violations in Florida include:

• Circumventing or tampering with the device.
• Asking someone else to blow into the device.
• Leasing or lending a non-equipped vehicle to a DUI offender with an interlock requirement.

One exception to the rule is for those who must operate a vehicle as a part of their duties on their job. In this case, an employer must prove they understand the ignition interlock requirement and take responsibility for their employee (the DUI offender). If the employer is the one with an ignition interlock requirement, however, they cannot sign off on their own use of a company vehicle without an interlock installed.

A DUI offender in Florida has already proven poor judgement with drinking and driving once. With any violations or attempts to drive without an interlock, the trust that is given quickly changes into disappointment and disbelief.  Taking an ignition interlock requirement seriously is the best way to ensure there are no violations and a smooth road to recovery after a drunk driving conviction.