St. Louis DWI Lawyer | Ignition Interlock
Ignition Interlock Device
An ignition interlock device is a device attached to the ignition system of a vehicle. The device is designed to prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking alcohol. The driver blows into the tube of the interlock device, which then determines the amount of alcohol in the driver’s breath (similar to a BAC Breath Test). If the alcohol concentration is too high, the vehicle will not start.
Missouri Statute 577.600.1 outlines the use of ignition interlock devices and the penalties for not complying with a court order to use an interlock device. Essentially, a first time offense for DWI does not automatically mandate the use of an interlock device. Rather, the court has the discretion to require the use of the device. However, the statute requires the court to order a mandatory use of an ignition interlock device in all second offense for DWI cases.
Failure to comply with a court order use of an ignition interlock device is a Class A Misdemeanor. Class A Misdemeanors punishments include:
- Up to 1 Year in Jail, and/or
- Up to $1,000.00 in Fines
Our experience as former police officers provides us with a unique perspective on every criminal defense case. If you or a loved one has been charged in Missouri or Illinois with DWI/DUI, it is important that you speak with an attorney who is experienced in DWI | DUI defense.
Contact us online or call a St. Louis DWI Lawyer 314-621-0622 for a FREE Consultation and learn how the law applies to your specific situation.
Missouri Ignition Interlock Device Statute:
577.600. 1. In addition to any other provisions of law, a court may require that any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty to a first intoxication-related traffic offense, as defined in section 577.023, and a court shall require that any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty to a second or subsequent intoxication-related traffic offense, as defined in section 577.023, shall not operate any motor vehicle unless that vehicle is equipped with a functioning, certified ignition interlock device for a period of not less than one month from the date of reinstatement of the person's driver's license. In addition, any court authorized to grant a limited driving privilege under section 302.309, RSMo, to any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty to a second or subsequent intoxication-related traffic offense shall require the use of an ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by the person as a required condition of the limited driving privilege. Any person required to use an ignition interlock device shall comply with the court order, subject to the penalties provided by this section.
2. No person shall knowingly rent, lease or lend a motor vehicle to a person known to have had that person's driving privilege restricted as provided in subsection 1 of this section, unless the vehicle is equipped with a functioning, certified ignition interlock device. Any person whose driving privilege is restricted as provided in subsection 1 of this section shall notify any other person who rents, leases or loans a motor vehicle to that person of the driving restriction imposed pursuant to this section.
3. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
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