More Time and Money Lost: Oklahoma Ignition Interlock Violations

As Oklahoma DUI law expands to include all-offender ignition interlock laws, a lot of bad information and ideas about getting out of an interlock requirement are going around. For those who see the device as a burden, trying to tamper with or circumvent the device may seem like an easy out. However, those Oklahoma ignition interlock violations will quickly change the way an offender sees the device. Especially a DUI offender who enjoys the freedom provided by an ignition interlock device.

Common Oklahoma ignition interlock violations include:

• Tampering with the device. Attempts to uninstall or detach the device from the ignition system or engine are illegal. The device is designed to record that information so that during any service appointment, it will be noted and sent to the Oklahoma Board of Testing (BOT).
• Circumventing the testing process. Asking another person to blow into an ignition interlock device, either during the start-up test or a rolling retest is illegal, with penalties for the offender and the person submitting the breath sample.
• Driving without an ignition interlock device. If you have an ignition interlock requirement and are driving a vehicle that does not have the device installed, then you are driving illegally.
• Attempting to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Not only could you be in violation of your ignition interlock agreement, but any BAC detected when driving could be considered a subsequent DUI incident. If BAC registers at or above .08 percent, another DUI charge is almost guaranteed.

The consequences for Oklahoma ignition interlock violations include another criminal charge, plus a $500 fine. An offender could also face up to six months in jail. Anyone helping the offender tamper with or circumvent the device can be charged with a misdemeanor, fined $500 and potentially also face up to six months in jail.