If you receive a charge for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs in Pennsylvania, you can expect to face several penalties, including fines and jail time. And depending on how high your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels are, the court could also order you to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle for some time.
An ignition interlock device locks an automobile from starting until the driver blows into it. If the device detects the presence of alcohol, it’ll continue to keep the vehicle locked. The device also activates periodically during driving, forcing drivers to undergo breath tests to continue operation.
As frustrating as this device is, you shouldn’t try to tamper with the ignition interlock, or else you will face additional consequences.
Penalties for tampering with an ignition interlock
If it’s their first DUI offense, drivers who tamper with the ignition interlock device on their vehicle will have their device period extended by 12 months from the date of conviction. Those charged with their second or subsequent offense get the 12-month device period extension, and the court will also suspend their driving privileges for 12 months. This means that they’re prohibited from driving for 12 months, and once their rights are restored, they will have to go through 12 months of driving with an ignition interlock.
What counts as tampering with an ignition interlock device?
The following actions count as tampering with an ignition interlock device:
- Disconnecting the device from the car
- Altering the device’s wiring or systems
- Damaging the device
If you attempt to tamper with the ignition interlock device in any way, the device’s installer can notify state authorities that you’re no longer in compliance with the device requirement.
Dealing with an ignition interlock device is much work. Renting one for a year also costs between $900 and $1,300. It may be frustrating and costly, but you should never try to circumvent the device. And if you want to avoid having the device installed on your car, consider challenging the DUI conviction and your penalties in court with the help of an experienced attorney.
