Driving under the influence of alcohol is something that every driver in Colorado knows is against the law and can be very dangerous. Because of this, people who do drive drunk can be arrested and face some serious penalties if convicted, especially in this state.
Colorado has some of the harshest penalties for people convicted of DUI. One such penalty is a lengthy license suspension, even for a first-time offense. However, drivers should understand that they may be able to have their privileges reinstated sooner if they have an ignition interlock device installed in their car.
These devices have been used more and more in recent years, as safety advocates and lawmakers believe they help prevent repeat drunk driving offenses. Essentially, an IID is installed in a vehicle and hooked up to the car’s engine. In order to start the car, a driver will need to blow into the device. If there is an unlawful concentration of alcohol detected in the breath test, the engine will not start. In some cases, a driver will be prompted to blow into the IID while driving in order to keep the car moving.
According to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, first-time DUI offenders with a blood alcohol concentration lower than 0.15 generally have the option of installing the IID to receive a restricted driving permit before their nine-month license suspension is up. Any driver with more than one offense or with a very high BAC, also known as Persistent Drunk Drivers, will be required to have an IID for at least two years.
While having an IID installed can mean shorter license suspensions, most people would rather not have to deal with them. In order to avoid the cost, inconvenience and embarrassment of having a breath testing device installed in your vehicle, you will need to defend yourself against charges and avoid a conviction in the first place. Speaking with an attorney can be an effective way to do this.