In Texas, a person convicted of more than one driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense in a single five-year period is required to have an ignition interlock device installed on his or her vehicle before they can have driving privileges reinstated. Ignition interlock devices can be expensive, and the cost is often paid for by the convicted person – making the assistance of an experienced Austin DWI defense attorney crucial in your case.
An ignition interlock device consists, basically, of a breath-testing machine hooked to the ignition of your vehicle. The device requires the driver to give a breath sample before starting the vehicle. If the device detects alcohol in the breath sample, the vehicle will not start, and the positive test is recorded in the device’s data storage unit for later retrieval and review.
An ignition interlock device is a breath-testing machine hooked to the ignition of your vehicle. The device requires the driver to give a breath sample before starting the vehicle. If the device detects alcohol in the breath sample, the vehicle will not start, and the positive test is recorded in the device’s data storage unit for later retrieval and review.
Some devices also require the driver to give periodic breath samples while driving the car. These “rolling retests” are intended to prevent the driver from starting the car while sober, then drinking alcohol. The results of rolling retests are also recorded by the device.
In most situations, the device will record the results of each test, and the driver will be required to take the car in from time to time so that the installer can download the data stored in the device’s memory. These download sessions may also impose additional costs that are typically paid by the driver.
At the end of the required ignition interlock period, the device can be removed and the vehicle restored to its pre-installation condition. However, the driver is typically responsible for paying for these changes as well. While an ignition interlock device can make driving an option once again, it also comes with costs.
If you are facing DWI charges, do not wait to call the DWI attorneys at Peek Law Group, LLP for a consultation at (512) 399-2311.