The Consequences of Not Installing an Ignition Interlock After a New York DUI
Getting convicted of a DUI in New York leads to mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle. An IID is a breathalyzer connected to the ignition system to prevent drunk driving. Refusing or failing to properly install an IID results in severe penalties.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An IID is a handheld breathalyzer device wired into a vehicle’s ignition system. In order to start the engine, the driver must blow into the IID below a pre-set blood alcohol limit, usually 0.02 or 0.04 BAC. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start.
IIDs require random re-testing while driving. Failing a re-test triggers the IID to log a violation and alert authorities.
When is an IID Required in New York?
Judges order IID installation for all DUI convictions in New York, including:
- Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Aggravated DWI
First-time offenders must use an IID for at least 6 months. Duration increases dramatically for repeat offenses.
Penalties for Not Installing an Ordered IID
Refusing to install an IID after a conviction leads to:
- License revocation by the DMV for at least one year
- Possible contempt of court charges
- Extended IID requirement once the license is restored
Failing to properly maintain the IID results in:
- License suspension
- Longer IID requirement
- Higher insurance rates
Tampering with the IID to bypass it carries criminal charges.
Financial Costs of Not Installing an IID
Beyond the legal consequences, not installing an IID is very costly:
- Monthly IID leasing fees of $70-$150 still apply even if not installed
- DMV penalty fees of $500-$550 to restore your license
- Paying for a taxi instead of driving yourself
These expenses add up rapidly when you consider an IID is required for anywhere from 6 months to 5+ years depending on the offense.
Why Offenders Fail to Install IIDs
There are a few common reasons people fail to install ordered IIDs:
- Don’t understand the IID requirement
- Refuse to have breathalyzer in vehicle
- Try circumventing the order
- Forget to install after license restoration
- Find the monthly fees too expensive
However, none of these excuses outweigh the harsh penalties.
Stats on Offenders Who Don’t Install IIDs
- 24% of convicted drunk drivers in NY fail to install an ordered IID (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
- 50% of repeat DWAI offenders fail to install an IID (New York DMV)
- NY drivers with an uninstalled IID drive drunk 317 times per year on average (Journal of Safety Research)
Never Ignore a Court-Ordered IID
Getting convicted of drunk driving in New York is costly enough without piling on additional fines, fees, and license suspensions from failing to install a mandated IID. No exception or excuse outweighs the consequences.
To avoid further legal and financial penalties, immediately work with an experienced attorney and follow every condition the court orders. An IID may be an inconvenience, but avoiding installation only makes the situation far worse.
FAQs on The Consequences of Not Installing an Ignition Interlock After a New York DUI
- What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) and how does it work?
- An IID is a handheld breathalyzer device that is wired into a vehicle’s ignition system. Before starting the engine, the driver must blow into the IID below a pre-set blood alcohol limit, typically 0.02 or 0.04 BAC. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start. Additionally, IIDs require random re-testing while driving, and failing a re-test will log a violation and notify the authorities.
- When is the installation of an IID mandatory in New York?
- In New York, judges order the installation of an IID for all DUI convictions. This includes Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), and Aggravated DWI. First-time offenders are required to use an IID for a minimum of 6 months, but the duration increases significantly for those with repeat offenses.
- What are the penalties for not installing or tampering with an ordered IID?
- If an individual refuses to install an IID after a DUI conviction, they face license revocation by the DMV for at least one year, potential contempt of court charges, and an extended IID requirement once the license is reinstated. Improper maintenance of the IID can lead to license suspension, a prolonged IID requirement, and increased insurance rates. Additionally, attempting to tamper with or bypass the IID can result in criminal charges. Financially, not installing an IID can be expensive, with monthly leasing fees, DMV penalty fees, and other associated costs.
Remember, while there might be reasons individuals fail to install ordered IIDs, such as misunderstanding the requirement or finding the fees too high, none of these reasons outweigh the severe penalties that come with non-compliance.
Call The Top-DUI Attorney in Brooklyn, Mark Cossuto
If you or someone you care about faces grave criminal charges in Brooklyn, it is absolutely vital that you retain a dedicated criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The prosecutor builds their case early, so you need experienced counsel advising you from day one. Do not say anything to authorities without your attorney present. Brooklyn criminal lawyers know how to stand up for your rights.
Contact a top Brooklyn criminal attorney today for a free initial consultation by calling (718) 852-8047 or filling out the contact form on our website. It is completely confidential. Share the full details of your situation so they can discuss your options and legal strategy. With an attorney aggressively defending you, what seems like a hopeless case can be resolved favorably many times. Don’t go through this fight alone. Schedule your free consultation now.
