Ignition Interlock Device Whatcom County

Ignition Interlock Device

Whatcom County criminal cases may end with the requirement of an ignition interlock device. The ignition interlock device (IID), or breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BIID), is gaining popularity in governmental circles, court systems, and advocates against the crime of driving under the influence. If you find yourself arrested for a DUI or Physical Control in Whatcom County you may indeed face a future that involves the Ignition Interlock Device. The device is a breath test type apparatus that is connected to the vehicle’s dashboard, or more correctly to its ignition mechanism. The instrument requires the driver to provide a breath sample before allowing the vehicle to start. If the breath sample renders a clean result (i.e. a blood alcohol concentration reading below the permitted amount (calibrated at 0.025 in Washington State - RCW 204-50-030 and 204-50-070. Alternatively, if the Whatcom County driver provides a breath sample that is over the required amount then the vehicle will not turn over and the failed attempt will be reported to the governing agency and depending on the ultimate outcome of your Whatcom County criminal case, may put you in danger of a probation violation and a meeting with the Judge on a Review Hearing.

Ignition Interlock Videos

If you lose your license, you can still drive lawfully!

We don't want you to lose your license but if you do, there is a way you can still drive lawfully. You will need to apply for the ignition interlock license. Watch this video to find out how you can continue to drive even though your license is suspended.

Food Fails with the Ignition Interlock

It's easy to fail the Ignition Interlock if you're not careful - we don't want that! Please do not eat or drink in your vehicle. This video will help you avoid possible food fails with your ignition interlock device, in Whatcom County.

Don't take the Ignition Interlock OUT early!

The DOL is strict about the removal of the Ignition Interlock and this video explains more!

Certificate of Compliance and the Ignition Interlock

Yet another thing you need to know and worry about when it comes to the Ignition Interlock device.

Ignition Interlock Mandatory at 1st Court date!

Another reason to speak to an attorney before heading to court for the first time is to be prepared. Are you prepared to install an IID? You might need to be.

Ignition Interlock Information for Whatcom County

DOL & Ignition Interlock

If you are convicted of a DUI the DOL will send you notice to not drive a motor vehicle unless you install an ignition interlock device.

If your driver's license is suspended by the DOL due to a DOL hearing loss or conviction of DUI (or reckless driving), you can still drive if you apply for and receive an ignition interlock driver's license.

Ignition Interlock Tips

Do not eat or drink in your car or immediately prior to driving
If you believe the ignition interlock device is malfunctioning, report it to the company
Do not let others play with the device
Be certain the Ignition interlock company is reports your installation to the DOL

IID Accuracy

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) are sensitive devices and require constant “maintenance, repairs, calibrations, monitoring, inspection, or replacement of the device.” RCW 204-50-030; RCW 43.43.395 The Legislative now requires cameras be installed in vehicles so that Whatcom County Courts could confirm if a driver had another individual blow into the ignition interlock device to avoid detection.

Cautiously use IIDs

Ignition Interlock Devices are calibrated at .025 g/210L in consideration that the device is sensitive and may detect “alcohol” that is not ingested alcohol but mouth alcohol or “alcohol” from food sources. RCW 204-50-030 & 204-50-070 Further, manufacturers warn that the device may “fail” if the area (vehicle) has cigarette smoke, if the individual has used mouthwash or toothpaste, or if the mouthpiece is wet or foggy.

Ignition Interlock Rules

First Time: 1 Year
Second Time: 5 Years
Third Time: 10 Years

Helpful Information about the Ignition Interlock Device

While the vehicle is in motion (or the engine is turned on) the IID will randomly require the driver to provide another breath sample. The time between required breath samples is dependent on the calibration of the unit, however typically random breath samples are required every 10 to 20 minutes while the vehicle is in operation. The purpose behind the random breath sample is to prevent a driver from having a “sober” friend blow into the device starting the vehicle. If the requested breath sample is not provided or exceeds the required limit, the device will record the incident, warn the driver and then start up an alarm (e.g., lights flashing, horn honking, etc.) until the ignition is turned off, or a clean breath sample has been provided.

A common, but inaccurate belief is that ignition interlock devices will turn off the vehicle’s engine if alcohol is detected. Due to the fact that this would then create an unsafe or dangerous driving situation that would expose interlock manufacturers to substantial liability, a vehicle’s engine does not turn off if a breath sample detects too much alcohol on a driver’s breath. It is physically impossible for an interlock device to turn off a running vehicle.

Ignition Interlock devices keep a running record of the activity on the unit and this record, or log, is printed out or downloaded each time the device’s sensors are calibrated, commonly at 30, 60, or 90-day intervals. In the DUI realm these records are provided to the courts for probation review and to the Washington State Department of Licensing in some instances. If Whatcom County District Court or Bellingham Municipal Court still has jurisdiction and a violation is detected the court may require the driver to re-appear and possibly face addition sanctions.

In conclusion the Ignition Interlock device is here to stay. The current guise may change but some form of alcohol detection and vehicle control will be a mandatory component to DUI law. For questions about the Ignition Interlock device call our Whatcom County criminal defense attorneys at (360) 734-3847.

Whatcom County Ignition Interlock Device