Your ignition interlock requirement is your ticket to recovering after a drunk driving conviction. It allows you the freedom to get yourself back and forth to work. It helps you to learn healthier habits with alcohol like finding a safe ride home if you’ve been drinking. It gives you the opportunity to show the court and DMV that you are serious about never drinking and driving again. With all of that, you want to make sure you are fully compliant and that your ignition interlock is verified once the device is installed in order to avoid any further frustrations.
Every state has some type of ignition interlock requirement, and a process in place for having the device installation verified by the court or DMV. For instance, in West Virginia, you have to provide proof of the installation of your interlock to the Alcohol Test and Lock Program in order to start the clock on your time requirement. Without that proof, you will simply hold a suspended license, not be able to legally drive and be faced with a violation or removal from the program if the device isn’t installed within six months of approval.
Florida has a similar policy but allows the DMV to manage and confirm all ignition interlock installations. In that state, if you don’t verify your ignition interlock device installation, your license will be cancelled.
Anyway you look at it, if you don’t verify your ignition interlock device, you could have more violations on your record. Your probation could be affected, too, and if you are caught drinking and driving again, you can be sure that your criminal penalties will increase dramatically. It is a bigger hassle to forget that step and have to start over than it is to make sure you’ve done all you can to be compliant with your court order or DMV requirement.
It’s My First Interlock Fail