California Ignition Interlock Pilot Program extended to July 2017

The ignition interlock pilot program for the state of California has been extended to July 1, 2017. This pilot program affects individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence in Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare counties.

The pilot program legislation requires drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. The installation of an ignition interlock device allows the driver to keep their drivers license. Without the installation of an ignition interlock device, drivers face the suspension of their license.

In accordance with the pilot program, a driver who is convicted of a DUI must complete the following steps to get their license back:

–          Have a state certified ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle

–          Complete an alcohol education program

–          Show proof of California auto insurance

–          Pay all reinstatement fees, and a $45 administration fee

The pilot program aims to keep the roadways safe as ignition interlock devices deter drivers from driving under the influence of alcohol. In order to operate a vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed, a driver must blow into the device to prove they are not drinking. The breath sample provided is checked for the presence of alcohol and if the driver is under the pre-determined limit the vehicle will start. If the driver is over the limit then the vehicle will not start.

To further protect other drivers, the ignition interlock device requires a driver to retest throughout their drive. This prevents a driver from circumventing the system in number of ways. If a driver refuses to take a retest, or fails the vehicle will not stop operating, but the test results will be reported on a log of the driver’s ignition interlock test results.

Ignition interlock devices feature a number of safety features to ensure their accuracy and effectiveness. These features include a camera that takes a picture of the person taking the test, and requiring a deep breath so children cannot use the device. Drivers are required to keep the ignition interlock device installed for a minimum of 6 months, and repeat DUI offenders must have the ignition interlock device installed for a year. Studies show that ignition interlock devices help reduce the number of repeat DUI offenders by 67 percent.

As the pilot program is written today, it will now extend to July 1, 2017, but can be amended to extend further. Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Tulare have all seen the benefits of utilizing the ignition interlock devices. The devices prevent drivers from getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, AAA, and the National Transportation Safety Board support ignition interlock legislation. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is encouraging all states to implement some sort of ignition interlock law. Currently, 24 states have ignition interlock legislation in place. If the pilot program legislation is not amended it will become inoperative on July 1, 2017 and repealed as January 1, 2018.