Facing DUI Charges and Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device? The Sills Law Firm, LLC can help.
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI violations in Connecticut, you will likely be required to install an ignition interlock device “IID” in your vehicle. If your driver’s license or privilege to drive in the state of Connecticut is suspended as a result of your DUI arrest, then the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles will mandate that you install an IID before restoring your ability to drive.
Ignition interlock devices are essentially breathalyzers that are wired in to the vehicle’s ignition. The are calibrated a certain blood alcohol concentration “BAC.” While the legit limit for DUI is .08%, most IIDs in Connecticut are calibrated to .02% or .04%. In order for an individual to start the car, he or she will first be required to blow into the IID. If you blow into the device and your BAC is higher than the device allows, then the vehicle will not start. It will trigger a violation that will be transmitted to your IID servicing company who then may notify the Connecticut DMV and/or your probation officer.
Periodically while driving, the IID will prompt the driver to submit to a “rolling retest” to ensure that you are not drinking while driving. If you fail to submit to his rolling retest or submit to the test and test above the allowable BAC limit, then the machine will prompt you to pull over and eventually the engine will shut down.
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Required IID Terms in Connecticut
In Connecticut, all DUI related suspensions are for a period of 45 days. After 45 days, you will be eligible to reinstate your license, but must first install and IID. After you are reinstated you will only be permitted to operate an IID equipped motor vehicle for a period of time. Once installed, you will be required to maintain the IID continuously for anywhere from 6 months to 3 years as follows:
6 MONTHS
- First violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b for failing a chemical alcohol test where you are over the age of 21
1 YEAR
- First violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b for failing a chemical alcohol test where you are under the age of 21
- First violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b for refusing a chemical alcohol test – regardless of age
- Second violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b for failing a chemical alcohol test where you are over the age of 21
- First conviction for DUI under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227a
2 YEARS
- Second violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b for failing a chemical alcohol test where you are under the age of 21
- Second violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b for refusing a chemical alcohol test – regardless of age
- Third violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b for failing a chemical alcohol test where you are over the age of 21
3 YEARS
- Third violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b for failing a chemical alcohol test where you are under the age of 21
- Third violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b for refusing a chemical alcohol test – regardless of age
- Second conviction for DUI under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227a (during the first year, you may only operate and IID equipped motor vehicle to work, school, drug and alcohol counselling and treatment appointments, probation appointments, and IID service appointments)
Installing the IID in Connecticut
In Connecticut, there are 9 approved IID vendors. They are as follows:
| Low Cost Interlock | Sensolock of America | Simple Interlock |
| Smart Start | Alcohol Detection Systems | Alcolock |
| Draeger, Inc. | Intoxalock | LifeSafer, Inc. |
These are national companies that affiliate themselves with local body shops and mechanics. You will likely find 10-20 service locations within a short distance of your Connecticut residence. The fees for installation (typically between $50 – $150) and monthly maintenance (typically between $50 – $150) vary so you can shop around for the best price and best fit for you.
After scheduling your IID installation appointment you must complete the Connecticut DMV IID Application Form – CT DMV Form P-246. You must fill in your information and your vehicle’s information. If you install the IID in a vehicle registered to a third party, that person must sign off on the form permitting you to have the IID in his or her vehicle. After the device is installed, the IID installer will sign off on the form so that you can submit the completed application to the Connecticut DMV.
After you submit your IID application along with a $100 IID application fee and a $175 restoration fee, the DMV will restore your license with an IID restriction.
Contesting the IID Requirement in Connecticut
In Connecticut, IID is mandatory as a condition to your license or privilege to drive being restored after all DUI related suspensions – even first offenses. The only way to avoid the IID requirement is to prevail at your administrative per se DMV hearing under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227b and avoid a DU conviction under § 14-227a.
If you are required install an IID in your vehicle and you commit an IID violation by having a BAC over the IID limit or by not completing a rolling retest, then the DMV will add an additional month to your IID term. If you are on probation for DUI, an IID violation can also violate your probation.
In order to avoid the costs, inconvenience, and embarrassment of having an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, you want to have best and most comprehensive DUI defense in Connecticut.
For Reliable IID Defense, Contact Our Connecticut DUI Attorneys.
Our Connecticut DUI lawyers at The Sills Law Firm, LLC will mount the best possible defense to your IID requirement. If the IID is ultimately required in your case, we can help you understand the IID program, how to best go about the application process, installation, and other requirements. If are facing IID DUI requirements in Connecticut, we are here and ready to assist you.
HAVE IID QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
