If you participate in the Maryland Ignition Interlock Program, either voluntarily or because you were required to as the result of your conviction, it is important to be mindful of what is considered a program violation and the consequences of program violations.
VIOLATIONS
The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) monitors the Ignition Interlock Program. An ignition interlock device is essentially a breathalyzer that a company connects to your vehicle’s ignition system. The MVA considers any of the following a violation of the program:
- Failure to have the ignition interlock device installed;
- Failure to obtain a Maryland driver’s license that restricts operation to vehicles with ignition interlock devices;
- Failure to appear at a required monthly monitoring visit;
- Operating a vehicle that doesn’t have an ignition interlock device installed;
- Failure to pay all costs and fees associated with the Ignition Interlock Program. This includes the costs of installing the equipment on your vehicle;
- Bypassing, tampering with, removing, or rendering inoperable the ignition interlock device, or allowing someone else to do it;
- Attempting to operate the vehicle with a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) greater than 0.25%;
- Failure to submit to retests after starting the car;
- Any further license suspension or revocation imposed while participating in the Ignition Interlock Program.
CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATIONS
Each time you commit a violation, you will receive a letter from the MVA, and the MVA will extend your required time in the program by one month. Four or more violations can result in the MVA removing you from the program. Once you are removed from the program, the MVA will reinstate your original license suspension or revocation.
If the MVA removes a driver from the Ignition Interlock Program, her or she can essentially start over and be reinstated in the program for the entire originally assigned time, after a minimum suspension period of at least thirty days.
If you feel that you did not violate the program, you can take it up with the installer of the ignition interlock device and make sure that the installer has properly calibrated the device. You can also request a hearing with the MVA within 15 days from receiving notice of the violation.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI or DWI, you should contact an experienced lawyer to help you through the process. Contact the lawyers at Alpert Schreyer or call us at (301) 494-9620 for a free consultation.
