In certain instances, the state of Pennsylvania requires individuals convicted of DUI offenses to install an ignition interlock device in their car. According to PennDOT, DUI offenders who had extremely high blood alcohol levels at the time of their arrest are required to have this device in their cars once their operating privileges are restored. If you are convicted of a DUI offense, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device even if it is your first DUI conviction.
Essentially, when an ignition interlock device is installed in your car, you are required to blow into the device to start the car. This is to ensure that you are not under the influence of alcohol. You will need to blow into the device upon turning on the car and also periodically while driving.
You are responsible for all costs associated with the ignition interlock device. The cost is dependent upon the leasing vendor. However, generally, an ignition interlock device lease costs between $900 and $1,300 a year.
If you are required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your car, you must keep it installed for one year after the day your operating privileges are restored following your DUI conviction. In the event that you are convicted of operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device installed during this time, then the sentence is extended to one year starting from the date of the non-compliance conviction. Further violations may result in your driving privileges being suspended entirely.
If you are required to hold an ignition interlock license and you are compliant, thirty days before you are eligible to re-apply for an unrestricted driver’s license PennDOT will mail the appropriate forms to you.