Requiring Ignition Interlock Device After a First DUI

Beginning on January 1, 2009, the following five states enacted a law requiring an ignition interlock devise for vehicles owned by an individual convicted of a first DUI, even if that individual had no prior criminal record: Nebraska, Illinois, Alaska, Colorado, and Washington state.

New Mexico was the first state to enact such a law for a first time DUI offenders in 2005. The ignition interlock device must be installed in the individual’s vehicle.  The driver of that vehicle must then blow into the machine to prove that he or she has not consumed alcohol prior to driving.

Is the Ignition Interlock Device Required for a First DUI in Florida?

Under Florida law, Section 316.193 allows the court the option of requiring an ignition interlock device to be installed on vehicles for any person convicted of even a first DUI, although the ignition interlock device is required under the following circumstances:

  1. At least six months if the DUI conviction resulted from a BAC reading over 0.15 or if a minor was in the vehicle;
  2. At least one year for a second DUI conviction;
  3. At least 2 years if the DUI conviction resulted from a BAC reading over 0.15 or if a minor was in the vehicle for a second DUI conviction;
  4. At least 2 years for a third DUI conviction.

The ignition interlock program affects any person convicted of DUI seeking reinstatement of their driving privilege on a permanent or restricted basis for work or business purposes under Florida Statute Section 322.271, F.S.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (DHSMV) has selected two ignition interlock vendors who began selling the ignition interlock devices in 2004.

To install the Florida interlock devices, the driver must pay the following expenses:

  1. $70 for installation;
  2. $67.50 for monthly calibration and monitoring;
  3. $5 monthly insurance charge or $100 refundable deposit.
If you have been arrested for DUI in the Tampa Bay Area, including Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Polk County, or Pasco County, talk to an experienced Tampa DUI Attorney about ways to avoid a DUI conviction and the extraordinary expenses that result from a conviction.
Find out more about the Ignition Interlock in Tampa.

3 comments

  1. Do you have to continually blow into the interlock even while yo drive? or just to start the car?

    1. Yes. But I guess the theory is that they have to blow not just to start the car, but at random intervals while the car is driving down the road. So why is a sober person going to sit in the passenger’s seat while the drunk person drives? I also think it is crime to blow into the ignition interlock device for someone else.

Comments are closed.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Free Consultation

Submit this form to request a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.

Our Office Locations

Tampa Office:

Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
1005 N. Marion St.
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 250-0200

map + directions

New Port Richey Office:

Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
7509 Little Rd.
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 807-6392

map + directions

Clearwater Office:

Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
14010 Roosevelt Blvd. #701
Clearwater, FL 33762
(727) 210-7004

map + directions

Our Attorneys

Leslie M. Sammis

Leslie M. Sammis

Jason D. Sammis

Jason D. Sammis

Joshua L. Monteiro

Joshua L. Monteiro

Dominique Celerin

Dominique Celerin

Katherine A. Aranda

Katherine A. Aranda

Idalis Vento

Idalis Vento