New York DWI Lawyer Blog

In Part 1 or this article, we discussed the circumstances of when a motorist is required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle, how the IID works, how long the IID must remain in the vehicle and the crimes that require the installation of an ignition interlock device. We begin part 2 with the question: What if the motorist is not able to afford the installation or maintenance fees associated with an IID?

If the driver can demonstrate through the Court mandated “Financial Disclosure Report” that he or she does not have sufficient resources to pay for the IID installation and maintenance, the Court may either order a payment plan or waive the fee entirely. This form is extensive, and covers all sources of income, including bank accounts, property, rent, mortgage payments, and family members who might be able to assist in payment of the fees. Only if the Court is satisfied that the motorist has no means of payment will the fees be waived.

If the motorist does not own a motor vehicle as of the time of sentencing, proof must be given to the Court to this effect, from sources such as the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and an insurance company if the vehicle was recently taken off of the road. If the motorist obtains a motor vehicle during the time of the DWI sentence, that vehicle must be equipped with a IID.

Once the driver has passed the start up test with the IID, the device will require “rolling tests” at regular intervals of approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes. If the driver fails the start up test, he or she must re-take the test in 5-15 minutes. Additionally, once the start up test has been passed, rolling tests are required approximately every 15 to 30 minutes. Rolling tests are required while the driver is operating the vehicle. If the driver fails the rolling test, a rolling re-test will be required in 1-3 minutes. If a number of tests are failed, the car will go into “lockout mode” and then it will not be possible to start the vehicle unless it is brought back to the facility where the IID was installed.

If the driver fails a start up test or rolling test, this information will be provided to the sentencing Court, District Attorney’s Office, Department of Probation, and any treatment provider. This can result in a violation in the person’s sentence of a conditional discharge or probation, and can lead to re-sentencing on the original charge.

Additionally, if the driver tampers with the IID, fails to use the device, or attempts to have someone else blow into the device, this can lead to additional criminal charges against the driver, as well as any person charged with assisting in the tampering.

There are exceptions for use of the IID if the driver is operating a vehicle at work, as long as it is proven that the employer knows about the sentence and consents to allow the employee to operate vehicles without the device installed. However, if the person is self employed, they must only operate vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock.

After the sentence is completed, the driver can apply to the Court and Department of Probation to have the device removed at a Court approved facility.

Continue reading " New York DWI --Ignition Interlock Device--Part 2 " »

In August of 2010, the New York Vehicle & Traffic Law was amended as part of Leandra’s Law to include a provision that in all DWI convictions, the motorist is required to install and maintain an ignition interlock device (IID). An IID is a device which prevents a car ignition from starting if the operator of the car has a blood alcohol level of .025% or above when blowing into the device. Alcohol based mouthwashes such as Listerine are not recommended when the driver has an IID in their vehicle, as their use can lead to a positive alcohol finding despite the fact that the driver was not drinking alcohol. Clients must also be informed that if they drink alcohol the night before, and must drive to work early the next morning, they must be very careful to make sure that their alcohol intake is completed well in advance of entering their vehicle the next morning. Otherwise, there can be a positive alcohol reading, leading to serious consequences, despite the fact that the person was not drinking alcohol for many hours prior to entering their vehicle.

Under the law, an IID must be installed in all motor vehicles which the defendant either owns or operates. Thus, if the person convicted of a DWI is married or has children living at home who own motor vehicles, unless the person can prove to the Court’s satisfaction that he or she will not have access to the other motor vehicles in his or her household, the ignition interlock must be installed in all of the vehicles! The IID is required by law to be installed in the motorist’s car for at least six months, but in practical effect, all Courts in my experience are ordering that the device remain in the vehicle for a minimum of one year.

It is important to note that the IID must be installed in any DWI convictions, including common law DWI (by the officer’s observation of Field Sobriety tests, alcohol on breath, slurring words, staggering, loss of balance, bloodshot or watery eyes, for example), per se DWI (by chemical test evidence, including a breathalyzer, blood or urine tests), felony DWI, and aggravated DWI. Aggravated DWI is charged when the driver has a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) or 0.18% or above. However, the IID does not have to be installed on a DWAI conviction or plea (Driving While Ability Impaired), which is a traffic infraction, and not a crime as is a DWI.

When the Court sentences a driver on a DWI, they must report to the Department of Probation for direction on installation of the IID, which can only be performed at specifically authorized facilities. The driver must then return to Court with proof that the ignition interlock was installed in all vehicles which he or she owns or operates. The driver is required to pay the cost of installation of the device, as well as maintenance of the device during the one year period. The maintenance fees are approximately $75.00 per month or slightly higher.

In Part 2 of this article, we will discuss possible waiver of IID fees, the penalties for tampering with the ignition interlock or having someone else blow into the device, and the rules governing employer owned vehicles for motorists ordered to install an ignition interlock in their personal vehicles.

Continue reading " New York DWI--Ignition Interlock Device--Part 1 " »