Maryland’s DUI Ignition Interlock Program
After a DUI arrest in Maryland, you may face the possibility of a driver’s license suspension.
A court may also agree to impose probation instead of a conviction for DUI or DWI. However, as an alternative to suspension or a condition of probation, you may have to join Maryland’s ignition interlock program.
The program imposes rules and requirements for continuing to drive after a DUI arrest.
Have questions about the Maryland ignition interlock program and what to expect next?
Then contact Greenberg Law Offices for a fully confidential case review with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We can answer your questions, advise you on your options, and advocate on your behalf for a positive outcome.
What Is Maryland’s DUI Ignition Interlock Program?
Maryland’s ignition interlock program allows some drivers charged with intoxicated driving to keep their driving privileges by installing an ignition interlock device in their vehicles.
An ignition interlock device prevents a motor vehicle from starting until the driver blows into the device.
The device reads the driver’s breath alcohol content; if the driver has a BAC of more than 0.025, the vehicle will not start. The device randomly prompts the driver to perform retests while driving.
Ignition interlock devices record all testing data and send reports to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Maryland?
After a DUI arrest in Maryland, law enforcement will typically transport a driver to the police station for booking and a breath test or to the hospital for a blood draw to perform a blood test to detect the presence of alcohol or drugs in the driver’s system.
A driver may also face a potential suspension of their driving privileges after an arrest or conviction for DUI/DWI.
Who Qualifies for Maryland’s DUI Ignition Interlock Program?
A person may qualify to join the Maryland ignition interlock program if they meet certain eligibility requirements, including the following:
- Not already serving a license suspension
- Not having their license revoked, canceled, or refused
- Installing an interlock device within 30 days of receiving an order of license suspension
Drivers who join the program must install interlock devices on their vehicles, turn over their driver’s licenses or sign statement forms, and formally enroll in the program with the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Drivers who hold commercial driver’s licenses must downgrade their license to a regular driver’s license before they can join the program.
Is Ignition Interlock Required for Your Situation?
The Motor Vehicle Administration, an administrative law judge, or the trial court may refer a driver to the ignition interlock program.
However, drivers must join the program as a condition of probation before judgment (PBJ) for DUI or DWI or for homicide or life-threatening injury by motor vehicle while DUI or DWI.
Drivers can also choose to enter the ignition interlock program instead of serving a suspension of their driver’s license, if eligible to join.
How Long Do You Have to Use an Ignition Interlock Device in Maryland?
The length of the ignition interlock program depends on the nature of a driver’s offense that led to their entry into the program.
A driver arrested with a BAC of 0.08 or more but less than 0.15 must spend 180 days in the program.
Drivers arrested with a BAC of 0.15 or more or who refuse chemical testing after a DUI/DWI arrest must spend one year in the program. If a driver enters the program pursuant to a court or Motor Vehicle Administration order, the order will specify how long the driver must spend in the program.
The first violation in a month can add 30 days to a driver’s program, while some serious violations can add up to 90 days.
How Much Does Maryland’s DUI Ignition Interlock Program Cost?
The ignition interlock program cost includes fees charged by the device provider and fees imposed by the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Device providers typically charge installation and monthly service fees, which vary by company. Fees paid to the MVA include an enrollment fee, a fee for an interlock-restricted driver’s license, and another fee for a corrected license once a driver completes the program.
What Happens If You Violate Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Rules?
The ignition interlock program imposes various rules and requirements on drivers.
An ignition interlock violation can carry serious consequences, including removal from the program and a suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. Common examples of violations include the following:
- Not installing devices on owned or operated vehicles
- Missing monthly service visits from the device provider
- Driving a vehicle without a device
- Not driving at least 50 times a month or monitoring period
- Failing to pay required fees
- Disconnecting or tampering with devices
- Attempting to start a vehicle with a BAC over 0.025
- Skipping or failing a prompted retest
- Receiving another license suspension or revocation
Violations can also lead to new charges, such as for DUI/DWI or reckless driving.
How Can a DUI Lawyer Help with Ignition Interlock Issues?
A DUI lawyer from Greenberg Law Offices can help a driver facing potential entry into the Maryland ignition interlock program.
Our attorneys can advise on the pros and cons of the program compared to other potential consequences, such as a driver’s license suspension.
We can also help drivers in the program who face possible issues, such as alleged violations of program rules, by exploring options to protect their driving privileges and avoid other potential consequences.
Our legal team works diligently to advise clients considering a DUI ignition interlock or who have questions after entering the program. Our efforts have earned us the trust and respect of those we have represented.
As one client wrote of their experience with our firm:
“My experience with the Greenberg Law Offices has been phenomenal. These lawyers are dedicated to what they do. There is NO better team for the job. I am more than satisfied with the effort they put in. Every step of the way, they communicated with me about what was going on with my case. Larry, Matt, and Ethan make a wonderful team, and after seeing them in real time inside of a courtroom representing me, I can truly say these guys are passionate and serious about what they do. It’s been a pleasure.”
– C. Productions
Contact Greenberg Law Offices today for a confidential consultation with a Maryland DUI lawyer to learn more about the state’s ignition interlock program.
We’ll discuss whether you may be eligible or required to participate in the IID program, or if there are alternative outcomes you may wish to pursue.