• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Car Breathalyzer Help

Car Breathalyzer Help

The One Stop Place For All Your Car Breathalyzer Needs!

  • Car Breathalyzer Device
  • Locations
  • State Laws
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • 888-958-8139

Why You Shouldn’t Drive Without Your Ignition Interlock

You are here: Home / Laws / Why You Shouldn’t Drive Without Your Ignition Interlock
March 31, 2014 by Editorial Staff

Voluntary Ignition Interlock DeviceAlmost every state requires some drunk drivers to install an ignition interlock while 20 states require all convicted drunk drivers to install the device. Unfortunately, many convicted DUI offenders ignore the order by driving without one, whether they install an interlock but borrow someone else’s car when they need to drive or simply fail to install the device.

If a judge orders you to install an ignition interlock as part of your DUI sentencing, we encourage you to install the device in your vehicle(s) and only operate the vehicle(s) in which the interlock is installed. Driving without your court-ordered interlock is not only a violation of your driver’s license suspension but can have serious consequences, both for you and other drivers on the road:

  • Fines: Driving on a suspended driver’s license and without a court-ordered interlock after a DUI conviction can lead to a fine of up to $5,000.
  • Longer license suspension: Driving without your interlock can also lengthen your license suspension and interlock installation period.
  • Car impoundment: In some states, your car (or the car you borrowed to avoid driving with an interlock) may be impounded if you’re caught driving without your interlock.
  • Jail time: Jail time is also a common consequence for driving without your interlock, especially for a second offense. If convicted, you could face 1 to 5 years in jail, depending on the state. If driving without the interlock is also a DUI-related probation violation, you may face additional jail time.
  • Loss of rights: In some states, driving without a court-ordered interlock is a felony. As a convicted felon, you’ll lose your right to vote, face travel restrictions, and miss out on education and housing opportunities.
  • Drunk driving and related consequences: And, of course, driving without your interlock enables you to drive drunk, which can lead to another DUI on top of the offense of driving without your interlock or even a crash that could kill or injure you and others on the road.

We know that driving with an ignition interlock isn’t exactly fun, but you were ordered to install the device for your own safety and the safety of others on the road. You were also ordered to install the device because you broke the law. But rather than seeing an interlock as a punishment, see it as the tool that it is: a device designed to help you learn to not drink and drive. Seeing your interlock as a helpful tool can make the process much easier and even benefit you in the future.

Category: Laws, Resources

About Editorial Staff

The editorial staff is a group of writers and contributors with wide-ranging areas of expertise. The editorial staff provides news and analysis of topics that are focused on community and driver safety.

Previous Post:Update on Emma’s Law: Passed by House Committee
Next Post:Tips for Pedestrian Safety

Installation Calls

Speak to our friendly and knowledgeable staff to get answers to your questions and to schedule your Ignition Interlock Device Installation.

Call Today

Interlock Basics

Car Breathalyzer Device

State Laws

FAQs

Resource Library

Installation

Service Centers

Contact

Call Toll-Free

888-958-8139

© Copyright 2023 Car Breathalyzer Help

Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy