Ignition Interlock Devices: An Overview John M. Priester NHTSA/ABA Judicial Fellow Administrative Law Judge Iowa Dept. of Inspections & Appeals
TIRF CURRICULUM The Traffic Injury Research Foundation ( Four Components: 1.Research 2.Technology 3.Implementation 4.Legal Concerns
Research IID Reduce recidivism 35-90% –Both first-time and repeat offenders –As long as it is installed Offenders comply with Orders to Install? 25-75% of drivers continue to drive once suspended Approximately 25% failed to install
Research cont. Once installed, offenders comply? Can info from IID predict future behavior? –High rate of BAC fails, likely recidivism –High BAC readings during early morning hours predictive of future DUIs –With more prior DUIs, more interlock warnings and failures logged during first 5 months of usage predict 60% of repeat DUI violations
What is an IID? Device connected to starter/computer –Creates an open circuit Driver provides breath sample Must register under pre-set limit Then open circuit is closed and vehicle starts
While Driving Periodic running retests required IID connected to starter, not engine –Will not cut off engine once started
Implementation Goals of the program –Incapacitation –Deterrence –Punishment –Rehabilitation
Common Types of Programs Court-based –Legal authority to insure compliance –Better position to monitor offenders –Can order pre-adjudication Administrative/License-based –Can be uniformly applied throughout state –Can streamline communication
Program Funding Offender-pay scheme Cost approx. $70.00 to install and $70.00 monthly for monitoring $3-4 per day –Approx. cost of one drink per day Indigent Funds for low-income offenders
In Conjunction with Treatment IID serve as a nexus between criminal justice sanctions and substance abuse treatment IID provides safety net for offender during recovery IID allows offenders to fully realize the impact drinking has on their life
Key Components of Legislation Vehicle ownership not required Prohibits driving non-interlocked vehicle Tampering or circumvention Prohibit others from providing sample Prohibit soliciting others to provide sample Prohibit others from providing a non- interlocked vehicle
Michigan Legislation Ignition Interlock installed through Sobriety Court –MCL License back sooner if enroll in Sobriety (DUI) Court
Colorado IID First Offense Test Failure – 9 month license revocation – After 30 days can get license with IID – BAC 0.08 to at least 8 months – BAC of and higher at least 2 years
Who Is Eligible? Over 40 states require repeat offenders Many require high-BAC offenders to install an IID Complete the following –Pay outstanding fines –Hard license suspension –Complete rehabilitation program –Permission from owner
Ineligible Offenders Offenders who use drugs Offenders who kill or seriously injure others Consistently non-compliant offenders should NOT be removed from program
Monitoring Must insure installation Monthly Reporting –All tests and BAC results –Failure to provide test as required –When vehicle turned off/on –Tampering, circumvention or removal –Mileage driven –Lockouts
Exiting the Program Jurisdictions require IID from 3 months to several years to lifetime Moving towards policy where device is removed based upon offenders performance –Fewer violations = shorter period of IID –More violations = longer period of IID
Challenges to IID Alcohol-positive readings not from alcohol –Some foods, medicine or hygiene products can result in positive tests 3 pounds of bread = one beer –Wait five minutes –Rinse mouth
Challenges cont. Breath failure wasnt me I cant provide a sufficient breath I cant afford it
Questions?
The End