Ignition Interlock Devices
The Ignition Interlock Device Tennessee Laws Work
Tennessee DUI laws carry many penalties. One such penalty is the ignition interlock device. The inflammation interlock device is a device that a motor vehicle ignition system connects to an alcohol breath analyzer and prevents the car from starting if the driver alcohol in the blood exceeds the calibrated setting. Currently in Tennessee law, setting two hundredths of one percent (.02) blood alcohol concentration. That means that if the driver blood alcohol content exceeds 0.02, the device will prevent the motor vehicle to start.
As of January 1, 2011, Tennessee law requires that anyone convicted of a first offense DUI to install an interlock ignition device under the following circumstances: if the person's blood or breath alcohol concentration was .15 or higher, if the person was accompanied by someone under 18 years, if the person was involved in a traffic accident and the accident notification requirement was the immediate result of intoxication, or in certain situations involving breach of the implied consent law (also known as the refusal of submission).
A person convicted of a second offense DUI in Tennessee will also be asked to install an ignition interlock device. For second offenders of the device must be installed During the period of license suspension, which is two years (in addition, the individual can not apply for a restricted license in the first year, and can not drive at that time). If the first DUI offense within five years after the second violation, the driver must keep their vehicle device for an additional six months after the license revocation period has expired.
Besides the mandatory installation of ignition interlock device, there can be situations where the court orders installation. In these situations, the law does not require the device to be installed, but the court may order based on his or her own discretion. If the judge does not order the equipment to be installed, the device can be sentenced to the vehicle until one year after the offender's license revocation period has expired. So an individual who has one ignition interlock device installed by order of the court may order the device to last longer than the law requires the device to be installed.
Finally, an individual may request an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle. If they do, the geographical limitations of the restricted driver's license be lifted. However, they have to pay for the device itself. If an individual is ordered to install the device, they qualify for the costs paid from the State Assistance Fund interlock have.
The ignition interlock device is one of the many penalties associated with a Tennessee DUI conviction. If you are in the Memphis area and are charged with driving under the influence, please contact a Memphis DUI lawyer to review your case.
Ignition Interlock Device