As a condition of driving after a DWI / DUI conviction in New York, the court may require the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle . The device must be installed on any vehicles owned or operated by the driver for a minimum period of six months. Wired into the car's ignition system, the device acts as a "breathalyzer" and measures the blood alcohol content (BAC) of the operator's breath. If the recorded blood alcohol level is over a certain limit he vehicle cannot be started until the operator provides an acceptable sample breath.

The driver is expected to pay for installation of the ignition interlock device as well as monthly rental / lease fees. Installation can typically cost from $100 to $200 and monthly rental fees range from $70 to $100. Additional fees may be charged for de-installation, lockout, and recalibration of the equipment.

While no mechanical device is perfect, it is next to impossible to beat or "fool" an ignition interlock system. Attempting to tamper with the device will lock the ignition and the incident will be recorded on the machines database and downloaded to the court. There also rolling test which will be required periodically after the vehicle is in motion. This is to insure the driver did not have a sober friend take the initial test. If the driver refuses to take the retest the vehicles light will flash and horn will sound until they pull over and take the test. The ignition interlock systems are made to strict government standards and any attempts to circumvent them will usually lead to making a bad situation much worse. Remember, ALL events are recorded by the system.

The minimum period in which the device is required is six months for a first time DWI / DUI conviction and considerably longer for subsequent convictions. It is a crime to physically remove a court ordered ingnition interlock device from the vehicle.

As you can see, the requirement for an ignition interlock device can add considerably to the many fees a convicted DWI / DUI offender may be responsible for. There is in fact a very direct benefit to the driver, in that the alternative to an ignition interlock device is a total suspension of driving privileges .