Why Do I Need an Ignition Interlock for a Drugged Driving or Marijuana-Impaired Arrest?

If you are convicted of drugged driving, you may be thinking about your list of requirements to get back on the road legally.

One requirement to check off your list to reinstate your driving privileges could be installing an Ignition Interlock Device. The device is installed into vehicles and detects your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) before starting the car.

So, if you had drugs such as marijuana in your system when you were stopped while driving, why do you need a device that detects only alcohol?

Ignition Interlocks and Drugged Driving or Marijuana-Impaired Convictions

Most states do not distinguish between a DUI for drugs or a DUI for alcohol. In other words, your case will fall under state DUI law regardless of the substance in your system that lead to your DUI arrest or conviction.

Currently, Colorado, Illinois, Montana and Washington’s THC blood concentration limit is 5 nano-grams or higher. You could be guilty of driving under the influence if you are operating a motor vehicle with that much THC in your system, but each state’s marijuana-impaired driving laws are different.

Drugged driving convictions in most states means you will lose your driver’s license. Having a suspended or revoked driver’s license means you cannot drive unless you have limited driving privileges that was allowed by your court of conviction or state DMV office.

Here’s where Ignition Interlocks come in. If you have the option to, installing an Ignition Interlock into your vehicle means you can drive sooner rather than later during your suspended license period. This requirement, or option, would allow you to get back to work or attend school again. If you do need to install an Ignition Interlock, or you choose to get one, you can rely on Smart Start.

Get Back on the Road with Smart Start

We provide the cheapest Ignition Interlock with state-of-the-art technology that makes your program seamless. Schedule your installation appointment and ask for any discounts or specials at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form.