DUI Lawyer In Georgia

Reader’s Question:

My brother was charged with DUI here in Georgia. This is already his second DUI offense because he was convicted for it two years ago. He was required to have an ignition interlock device placed on his car. What does this device do?

Arvin

Savannah, GA

Excellent question, Arvin.

A breath alcohol ignition interlock device (IID) is an instrument similar to breathalyzer which is installed in a vehicle’s dashboard. The driver must breathe into this device before the vehicle can be started. The vehicle will not start if the result is over a programmed blood alcohol concentration, commonly .02% or .04%.

The IID will require another breath sample at random times after the vehicle has been started. This is to prevent another person breathing into the device, enabling the intoxicated person to get behind the wheel and drive away.

In the state of Georgia, IID is required for a second DUI within a five-year period on or after May 1, 2000. The judge can make an IID a condition of probation for any DUI or serious traffic offense. The cost of the IID is carried by the defendant.