The court system may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle following a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). These devices are portable breathalyzers that control whether or not your vehicle will start based on your blood alcohol content (BAC).
While this sounds simple enough, it can become complicated if you share a vehicle with other people. You may end up wondering if anyone can drive a car with a breathalyzer. The Simmrin Law Group can help you review regulations on the usage of a breathalyzer by multiple people right here. Call (310) 896-2723 to learn more.
Other People May Utilize Vehicles with a Breathalyzer
Installing an IID in your vehicle will not stop other people from operating the vehicle. However, you should be aware that everyone who operates the vehicle will need to:
- Perform a breathalyzer test before the vehicle starts
- Complete periodic retests while operating the vehicle
There is no option to “turn-off” breathalyzers that are installed after a DUI conviction in California. Therefore, anyone can drive a car with a breathalyzer, but only if their BAC is at a legally acceptable level.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Reporting for IID Devices Used by Multiple People
It is important that you understand that all successes or failures on an IID will be reported on a single user: the driver convicted of the DUI. This means that failure will be reported for you if:
- You are legally required to install an IID and
- Someone attempts to drive your vehicle and
- They fail the BAC test
For this reason, it is very important that you make sure all drivers using the vehicle understand the regulations associated with your breathalyzer. Generally, in-car IIDs are set up to detect BAC well below the legal level. All drivers using the vehicle must keep their BAC below this level to prevent failures, which show up on your report.
The technicians installing your IID can provide you with specific instructions for breathalyzer usage. They can also offer this training to any other driver using your vehicle.
Keep Track of When Other People Operate Your Vehicle
It’s important that you keep records of when different individuals operate your vehicle. The breathalyzer cannot distinguish between users. Multiple failures can have serious consequences for your driving privileges, so you must be able to show that you were not the driver who failed a test.
Service Workers and Vehicles with IID
Along these lines, you may not wish to allow individuals in the service field to operate your vehicle while an IID is installed. In some cases, you may want to stick around during oil changes and service appointments, so you can perform necessary IID tests when your vehicle must be turned on.
Additionally, some drivers decide not to allow parking attendants to operate their vehicles while they have an IID. You have no way of knowing what BAC these individuals possess, and it could easily result in failures appearing on your report.
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Drivers with Medical Issues and Breathalyzer Devices
Not all drivers are physically able to complete a breathalyzer test. Some individuals who have lung cancer, tuberculosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be unable to generate enough air-flow to trigger your IID.
In these situations, the individual should not operate a vehicle with an IID. They may need to find alternative transportation while your breathalyzer device is installed.
Get Help Before You Are Convicted of a DUI in California
As you can see, installing a breathalyzer in your vehicle can make things difficult for you and anyone who shares your vehicle. You may be able to resolve a DUI charge before you are convicted to avoid orders to install an IID.
The Simmrin Law Group’s criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles are here to offer you legal assistance today. We can focus on the facts surrounding your DUI charges. We may be able to get:
- Your charges reduced through a plea bargain
- Your charges dismissed outright
- Your case resolved successfully in court
Contact our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles by calling (310) 896-2723 to learn more about your options following a DUI arrest.
A DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Go Over Breathalyzer Regulations
Most people can drive a car with a breathalyzer in California. The only exceptions may be individuals with serious medical conditions. However, allowing someone else to operate your vehicle may result in failures showing up on your report.
Get help understanding the best way to handle an IID from the Simmrin Law Group. Our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles may even be able to help you avoid a DUI conviction. Get a FREE consultation to discuss your legal situation by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form