Tennessee has joined a growing number of states around the country in passing a law requiring ignition interlock device installation for certain driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. In fact, over half of all states have some form of ignition interlock device requirements for DUI sentencing, and even more allow a judge to force ignition interlock installation at his or her discretion, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association.
An ignition interlock is a device that requires the owner of the vehicle to breathe into it before the car will start. The ignition interlock will also record if the driver goes for a long period without breathing into the device, and it will trigger flashing lights and the car alarm if the driver has too high a blood alcohol content (BAC) level, in addition to preventing the car from starting.
In Tennessee, a judge can sentence any driver convicted of a DUI to install an ignition interlock device at his or her discretion. However, Tennessee’s new law makes it mandatory that a driver can only operate a vehicle with a functioning ignition interlock device under the following circumstances:
Part of the reason for ignition interlock device installation is a social deterrent against DUI. It can be embarrassing for drivers to have to breathe into a device before the car will start. And ignition interlock devices are only the beginning of the harsh penalties that can arise from a DUI arrest. Even first-time offenders face license suspension, jail time and fines potentially in the thousands of dollars.
If you have been arrested for DUI, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can represent your best interests to the court, and possibly reduce some of the severe penalties involved in a DUI conviction.
