DUI Ignition Interlock

Michigan drivers who are convicted of multiple alcohol-related driving offenses may be labeled as habitual offenders . Once a habitual offender has served the minimum period of license revocation, he or she may apply for a license appeal hearing . If you are granted a restricted license, you will be required to install an alcohol monitoring device – specifically a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) on any vehicle that you intend to operate.

The fees for the ignition interlock device installation, rental and maintenance will come directly out of your pocket. The installation may cost between $100 and $200 while the monthly rental fee may range from $70 to $100.

A breath alcohol ignition interlock device is essentially a breath alcohol testing machine that connects with your vehicle's ignition system. The ignition interlock device is typically installed in the dashboard of your vehicle. It works similar to a Breathalyzer – you have to breathe into the device so it can measure your BAC. In order to start the vehicle, the driver must provide a breath sample that contains less than .025% alcohol.

If you blow higher than .025%, the device will prevent the ignition from turning and you will be unable to start the vehicle. Some courts even require that the BAIID be set to lock out a vehicle if any alcohol is detected in the breath sample.

In addition to testing prior to starting the vehicle, the BAIID will require the driver to perform "rolling retests"—in other words, you will have to provide breath samples at random times while driving the vehicle. If you blow above the minimum BAC on a rolling retest, the BAIID will shut the engine off and prevent it from restarting.

The BAIID records all test results within a specified monitoring period. If you fail three start-up tests or one rolling retest within a monitoring period, you will have to take the device to a service center. If you fail to have the BAIID serviced, it will go into lock-out mode and prevent you from operating the vehicle.

Every breath test is recorded by the device. You will be required to take the ignition interlock device in for routine maintenance. During this checkup, all of the information from the device is downloaded. If you failed the breath test at any time, this may be reported to the court or your probation officer.

Habitual offenders are not the only drivers subject to BAIIDs. For example, if you are convicted of first-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI) and your blood alcohol content was .17% or higher, you may be required to install a BAIID as a condition of bond.