If you are like most people, you would not think that a penalty imposed on you for a criminal conviction should create a risk to you and to other people. However, that may be exactly what happens with one consequence commonly associated with a driving under the influence conviction.
In Illinois, you may have your driver’s license suspended or revoked after a DUI conviction. You may also be ordered to install and use an ignition interlock device as part of your penalties. The use of the IID may be one way you can keep your job, for example, as it allows you to reinstate at least some of your driving privileges. However, the IID comes with a whole new risk.
How an IID works
An ignition interlock device really does two things. First, it prevents a vehicle from being started by a person who is impaired by alcohol as the driver must provide a clean breath sample prior to the vehicle’s ignition being unlocked by the system.
Second, the IID seeks to confirm that a person does not begin drinking once driving by requiring the person to take subsequent tests while driving.
Rolling retests and distracted driving
As explained by Car and Driver magazine, a rolling retest requires a driver to remove a hand from the wheel to hold the breath sample device. The driver must also read the device display, creating a visual distraction in addition to a manual distraction.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to let residents in Illinois understand the often-unspoken risks associated with using an ignition interlock device after a DUI conviction.
