Illinois has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the nation, and it is one of many states that require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle after a first offense for driving under the influence. You must follow certain guidelines once you have the ignition interlock device on your car or truck. Failing to follow these rules may lead to additional legal trouble.
Per the Illinois Secretary of State, about 9,600 Illinois residents are driving with ignition interlock devices on their vehicles at any given time.
Understanding device requirements
When the state orders you to install and use an ignition interlock device, you must pay various fees associated with doing so. There may be installation, maintenance and monitoring fees associated with using the device. You also have to blow a suitable breath sample into it each time you want to start your vehicle. When you do so, the device snaps a photo of you to prove that it was you, and not someone else, who provided the breath sample.
Refusing to use the device
You may decide not to install and use an ignition interlock device following a DUI arrest. However, if you choose not to do so, you are not going to be able to drive at all during your license suspension period. Also, if you do drive during the suspension period without an ignition interlock device and authorities catch you, you may face a felony charge.
When you install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle in Illinois, you must make sure you do so through a state-approved provider.
