When do you have to install an IID?

On Behalf of | Aug 17, 2022 | Criminal Defense

If charged with drunk driving in North Carolina, people face wide-ranging penalties, including jail time, fines and driver’s license suspensions. Under certain circumstances, motorists charged with or convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated must also have ignition interlock devices installed on their vehicles.

Therefore, drivers often benefit from understanding the state’s ignition interlock device requirements.

Driver’s license restoration

According to state law, people will need to have ignition interlock devices installed to have their driving privileges restored after some OWI revocations. The state generally imposes this requirement for those with prior alcohol-related offenses within the past seven years, who had blood alcohol concentration levels of at least 0.15 or who received aggravated level one sentencing.

Drivers designate the vehicles they own and will operate and can have the devices installed on those autos only. Previously, the law required they have ignition interlocks installed on any registered vehicles they owned.

Limited driving privileges

Those serving out driver’s license revocations due to alcohol-related traffic charges may regain limited driving privileges through the use of ignition interlock devices. Drivers who meet the eligibility requirements have the ability to continue to operate vehicles at any time of day for any purpose, provided they adhere to the device requirements.

The consequences of OWI arrests and charges in North Carolina often have long-lasting implications on people’s lives. Thus, after a suspected drunk driving arrest, many find it helpful to work with a legal representative to establish a solid defense and help limit the fallout of these charges on the rest of their lives.