Driving under the influence (DUI) has many consequences in California. Drivers are sometimes ordered to install an ignition interlock device (IID) following a conviction. You must connect these devices to all your vehicles. Can you drive another car without an interlock if you have a DUI?
You may violate the terms of your probation if you operate a vehicle without an IID. This action may have severe repercussions for your life. Find out more about the adverse effects of driving without an IID right here.
Understand California’s Policy on IID Usage for DUIs
California recently adopted the statewide usage of IIDs. This adoption was part of a statewide ignition interlock pilot program. Drivers convicted of DUIs throughout the state use these devices. The judge in your case may order you to install an IID after a first DUI conviction. Subsequent convictions include the mandatory usage of an IID. You may need to install an IID for:
- Up to one year for a second misdemeanor DUI.
- Up to one year for a first DUI with injury.
- Up to two years for a third misdemeanor DUI.
Drivers ordered to install an IID must place the device on all vehicles registered in their name. You are not legally allowed to drive a vehicle without an IID in this situation, which means you cannot rent and drive cars without an IID. All vehicles you drive must have an IID.
The Court Tracks the Installation of IIDs in California
You must visit a court-approved installation company to get an IID in your vehicle. This company reports information regarding IID installation to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV keeps track of whether all vehicles registered in your name have an IID installed.
Failure to install an IID could lead to a violation of the terms of your probation. In this case, the court could set a trial date for you. You would have to attend this trial. The judge could charge you with a probation violation if you do not install an IID in all of your vehicles.
Driving a Different Vehicle Without an IID Is Against the Law
You may not legally get out of using an IID by borrowing someone else’s vehicle. All vehicles you drive must contain an IID if the court so ordered you. You could face immediate consequences if a police officer stops you in a vehicle without an IID.
The police officer could impound the vehicle you were driving. The officer may take the vehicle even if it belongs to someone else. You could then face a trial in front of a judge regarding your actions. You may face legal consequences if you:
- Were driving a friend’s vehicle for even a few miles.
- Rented a vehicle to drive around town.
- Drove a vehicle owned by your employer.
- Bought a new vehicle and did not install an IID.
Any of these actions could result in a probation violation. Contact a DUI lawyer if you were accused of a probation violation involving an IID. Start getting help now by calling (310) 929-6503.
Results of Driving Without an IID in California
The use of an IID is often a condition of probation after a DUI conviction. Drivers who operate a vehicle without an IID violate their probation. A conviction for a probation violation may have serious impacts on you. A judge could:
- Increase the amount of time you are on probation.
- Add additional regulations to your period of probation.
- Revoke your probation and send you to jail.
You must obey all conditions of your probation in California. You may get legal help if you are accused of a probation violation. A lawyer could work to show that you did not violate the court’s orders.
A DUI lawyer could also help you before a DUI conviction. Your lawyer could take steps to get your charges reduced or even dismissed. Taking these steps could help you avoid the usage of an IID. Start focusing on all of your legal options right now.
Find Out if You Can Drive Without an IID Following a DUI Conviction
You cannot drive another car without an IID after a DUI conviction in California. Drivers must only operate vehicles with IIDs in this situation. Find out more about IID usage with a DUI lawyer. You may reach out to the team at the Simmrin Law Group today. Complete our online contact form to get help. You may also call (310) 929-6503.
Get in touch with us now. Receive a free consultation regarding your case today.