The Maryland Ignition Interlock has undergone significant reform in recent years, where many first-time DWI offenders experience mandatory use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs). In fact, anyone in the state who is charged with a DUI or DWI is required by law to have an interlocking device installed directly in their vehicle.
Conviction of either DWI or DUI in Maryland has called for inclusion in a specialized program to discourage the public from drinking and driving.
Being arrested for any drug or alcohol-related driving charge is stressful in itself; having an ignition interlock installed in your vehicle is inconvenient, often causing you great embarrassment and stress. This is part of the legal consequences of being convicted of DWI or DUI in Maryland.
Your inclusion in such a program will be challenging, but you can navigate this with careful dedication and assistance from a qualified attorney. The attorneys at Jezic & Moyse understand what’s at stake and can help you find solutions during these stressful times.
What Is the Maryland Ignition Interlock Program?
The Maryland Ignition Interlock program is for those who have been charged with or convicted of either DUI or DWI in the state of Maryland. Drinking and driving, or driving under the influence of drugs, continues to pose a serious risk to the general public. The program is intended to deter the public from driving or operating any kind of motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Inclusion into this program requires a breathalyzer device to be installed directly in your vehicle, at your own cost. Your vehicle will not start if you have a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of more than .025.
The device itself is quite complex, and drivers will need to perform what is called a “rolling re-test” while driving, to ensure the driver hasn’t consumed alcohol either while driving, or since the vehicle was started. The device itself stores deep amounts of data about your driving habits, ensuring you comply with the program’s requirements. The information the device captures is also digitally transferred to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for careful analysis.
The state of Maryland takes a hard stance on drug or alcohol-impaired driving. You are not alone in this journey, and you are not the first person to face such challenges. This is manageable, should you know what to expect and the legal options available to you.
Who Has to Enroll in Ignition Interlock in Maryland?
Anyone convicted of either DUI or DWI in Maryland is required by law to take part in the ignition interlock program.
Mandatory inclusion is for:
- First-time offenders of DUI/DWI.
- Repeat offenders of DUI/DWI.
- Those who receive a PBJ (Probation Before Judgement) for DWI or DUI.
- Court-ordered by a Judge
Your inclusion in the program can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, including your BAC at the time of your arrest. Important to note, those who refuse a breathalyzer also see an automatic suspension of their driver’s license. Repeat offenders also face extensive monetary fines and the potential of several years in jail.
Those convicted of DUI or DWI in Maryland have only two options: inclusion into the program or full suspension of their driver’s license; there is no other alternative.
Those who are charged with a DUI or DWI, without proper discussion about your options, also see an automatic suspension of their driver’s license.
Voluntary Enrollment in Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program
Some DUI/DWI cases in Maryland could benefit from voluntary inclusion in the IIP. It could work to avoid license suspension while fighting a DUI charge, and could be beneficial for some commercial drivers who need to continue working throughout the legal process. This calls for
Consult with a qualified attorney to learn more about the options available to you and whether voluntary inclusion is the right option for you.
How Long Does the Ignition Interlock Program Last?
How long your inclusion into Maryland’s IIP is dependent on the circumstances of your case. Browse through the table below to learn more:
|
Situation |
Typical Requirement |
|
Refused breath test |
1 year |
|
BAC .08–.14 |
6 months |
|
BAC .15+ |
1 year |
|
Second DUI/DWI |
1–3 years (varies) |
The length of time that you are included is reset should another violation occur.
How Much Does the Ignition Interlock Device Cost in Maryland?
Drivers are required to pay out-of-pocket for the installation of an interlock ignition device in their vehicle.
The costs could range anywhere between:
- $70–$150 for initial installation.
- $70–$120 monthly lease cost.
- Calibration and maintenance visits that occur every 30 days.
- Removal costs of around: $50 to $100.
There are financial hardship programs that may be able to assist with the costs of the IIP.
What Counts as an IIP Violation in Maryland?
Common violations of the IIP program can include failing a blow test upon ignition, missing a rolling retest, failing to facilitate a monthly calibration, and tampering with the device itself.
Adherence to this program calls for deep dedication and discipline on your part, carefully following every requirement of the program. It can feel daunting, or impossible at times, but your good behavior is essential to bringing the program to a close as soon as possible. Violations can extend or reset the entire program, prolonging your inclusion.
You can avoid violations by strictly adhering to its requirements and never leaving your car running and walking away from it, leaving you vulnerable to missing a rolling retest..
How to End Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program Early
Steps for ending Maryland’s IIP include:
- Request a compliance review through your interlock service center.
- The MVA reviews your data logs.
- If cleared, the MVA sends authorization to remove the device.
- The device is removed by the vendor. Never remove the device on your own.
Court-ordered interlock devices cannot usually be ended early unless the case outcome changes. Consult with an attorney before assuming you qualify for ending the program.
Oftentimes, violations of the program can add months or years onto the required amount of time within the program itself. In the event you face added time, consulting with an attorney can help craft legal challenges and place your best interests first.
Should You Get a Lawyer to Help With Maryland Interlock Issues?
Simply put, yes.
Attorneys are retained to act in your best interests, helping you navigate every detail of the legal process and helping you better understand the options available to you. Your attorney can formally challenge the suspension of your license and request modified court orders. Should you face a violation that would restart the program, they can make legal challenges and formulate a strategic plea that would help you avoid inclusion in the program entirely.
Any DWI or DUI charge is worth a call to an attorney or law firm with experience in such matters, including deep knowledge of Maryland’s legal system. It is well within your legal rights to push back on the charges against you and preserve your ability to drive and live a normal life.
Should the interlocking device or inclusion into Maryland’s IIP be preventing you from working and supporting your family, then it is well worth the costs of retaining qualified legal representation. Your attorney may be able to shorten the length of time within the program or prevent violations from requiring you to partake in it longer.
Look to the attorneys at Jezic & Moyse to help you navigate your legal hurdles. These matters should be taken seriously as soon as possible. Should you fail to retain legal representation, it could complicate your case and result in deeper legal issues. Early intervention is essential to ensuring the success of your case.
Drug or alcohol related driving convictions can limit your ability to be an effective parent and even see you lose your job. There are options, however, to lessen or, potentially, totally avoid the legal consequences entirely. The circumstances of your case are exclusive to you, calling for personalized and dedicated legal representation that can craft a sound legal defense that ensures your legal rights are protected.
The costs that come with such legal representation are incredibly small in comparison to the potential impacts these convictions can have on your life. Don’t hesitate with these matters.
Contact Jezic & Moyse directly to learn more about the options available to you, and participate in a free, no-obligation consultation call. Simply speaking with us can help you better understand your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding Maryland’s ignition interlock requirements.
What Do I Do If I Have An Interlocking Device and I Drive a Company Vehicle?
According to Maryland law, you cannot drive in any capacity without the presence of that interlock ignition device. However, you may qualify for an employer vehicle exemption if you install the interlock ignition device in a personal vehicle. You will need to collaborate with your employer to facilitate this as well as an attorney.
It is important, however, to understand that many employers terminate the employment of staff who are convicted of DUI or DWI in Maryland. You should speak with an attorney as soon as you face such charges, helping you understand how to navigate the IIP program, but also helping you challenge the charges against you.
If you drive for work, speak with your attorney if you are charged with DWI or DUI in Maryland as soon as reasonably possible.
Can Passengers Drink in the Car?
No.
It’s illegal to have any open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle in Maryland. The fumes of alcohol can trigger a violation of your interlocking ignition device. You could face additional charges if a violation occurs, including having an open container of alcohol in your vehicle.
Can I Drive Someone Else’s Car While in the Program?
No.
You are likely to face extended legal consequences for driving someone else’s car while partaking in the IIP. Any sort of circumvention of the IIP will result in additional legal consequences. Strictly adhere to the guidelines that are required of you.
Can I Move Out of Maryland to Avoid The IIP?
No.
You will be required to participate in the program even if you move out of Maryland. You will need to face the consequences set out in Maryland’s legal system, regardless of where you live.
Need Help Reducing or Ending Your Ignition Interlock Inclusion?
Should you be in a hurry or have received a violation warning letter in the mail, let Jezic & Moyse help. Contacting us via phone or email comes at no initial cost. See what legal options are available to you. Don’t delay, take these challenges seriously, and hire qualified and experienced attorneys who can help you every step of the way.
Even when it feels like nobody is on your side, we are here to help.
Should this be an urgent matter, we are happy to offer a same-day consultation.