Were you ordered to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in California? Drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) are often required to install these devices for a period of months or years. This may lead you to wonder if someone else can drive your car if there’s an IID on it.
The Simmrin Law Group can help you review California’s regulations for IID usage by multiple people. We’re ready to answer your other questions about IID usage as well. Just call us at (310) 896-2723 to get started.
Other People Can Operate a Vehicle with an IID
Put simply, IIDs do not prevent other people from operating your vehicle. However, all drivers who operate a vehicle with an IID must utilize the device. You cannot turn the IID off and on. While it is installed, drivers will have to:
- Complete a test before the vehicle will start
- Take additional tests while driving the vehicle
IIDs detect the presence of alcohol on a driver’s breath. Your vehicle will not start if you fail an IID test. Neither will it operate if someone else tries to drive and their blood alcohol content (BAC) is elevated. In either case, the IID will report a failure and lockout your vehicle.
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Review IID Procedures with Other Drivers
IIDs must be used properly in order to provide accurate test results. This means it is important that all potential drivers understand how to utilize an IID on your vehicle. If you know another driver will frequently use your vehicle, you can bring the other driver with you to the IID installation appointment.
IID installation technicians provide training in the use of the device. They can teach any drivers who will use your vehicle how to complete IID testing the right way, which can help you avoid accruing fails on your record.
Note that all fails on the IID test will be reported under your name if you were ordered to install the IID.
Restricting the Use of a Vehicle with an IID
Some drivers decide to limit access to their vehicles while it has an IID installed. You may decide that you don’t wish to loan your vehicle to friends while there’s an IID on it, for example. Additionally, you may wish to:
- Personally turn on your vehicle during service appointments, including oil changes
- Avoid leaving your vehicle with valets
- Only allow individuals you trust to drive your vehicle
If you do allow individuals without training to use your IID, make sure you provide them with instructions about what to do. Misusing the device may be treated as tampering with it by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Tampering with an IID can lead to harsh legal penalties, including the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, so carefully decide who may utilize the device. If you’re accused of tampering with an IID, get help quickly from a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles. You can reach the Simmrin Law Group for help by calling (310) 896-2723.
Health Concerns and IID Usage in California
As we mentioned, anyone is allowed to use your vehicle while you have an IID on it. However, some drivers may be physically unable to operate a vehicle with an IID. IIDs require drivers to blow into a handheld breathalyzer. Some drivers cannot generate enough airflow to trigger the device, especially if they suffer from:
- Lung cancer
- Tuberculosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Drivers who cannot complete an IID test will not be able to operate your vehicle. Your vehicle will not start unless a driver finishes the IID test. Note that it is not permissible to take an IID test for someone else, so you should not blow into the IID for another driver.
You will likely be using an IID for a lengthy period of time. A first-time DUI conviction could require you to install an IID for six months. Subsequent convictions can lengthen this amount of time. Make sure you consider the transportation needs of those you share a vehicle with when installing an IID.
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Get Help with IID Usage in California
Installing an IID in your vehicle can complicate your life. While someone else can drive your car if there’s an IID on it, it isn’t always an ideal situation. Keep in mind that you may be able to avoid installing an IID if you get professional help with DUI charges right away.
The Simmrin Law Group’s DUI lawyers in Los Angeles are here to help you. Allow us to offer you a FREE consultation right now. Just call (310) 896-2723 or fill out our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form