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Is it possible to outwit the ignition interlock device?

On Behalf of | May 18, 2017 | Drunk Driving

If law enforcement arrested you for drunk driving in the state of Minnesota, you could face jail time and a fine of up to $3,000 just for a first offense. You could also lose your driving privileges for a year or agree to the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

An IID would seem to be the obvious choice in terms of penalties, but as a driver, you may find it confining, and you wonder if there is a way to trick or outwit this device. The short answer is: possible, but not probable.

The design of the IID

The ignition interlock device is small, about the size of a mobile phone, and is basically a computerized breathalyzer. It will be installed on the dashboard of your car and wired to the engine. A camera is part of the device mounted on your windshield. When you get behind the wheel, you must blow into the machine. The IID will record your alcohol level and snap your picture. If the device detects any alcohol in your system, your vehicle will not start.

Tampering with the device

Because of the camera, the only way it appears that you could trick the IID visually is if you have an identical twin, presumably sober, who agrees to take your place for this test. Keep in mind, the twin would actually have to become the driver, because spontaneous rolling retests will occur once you are on the road. People have tried other methods of bypassing the IID, such as blocking the camera, disconnecting the wires to the device and even push-starting the vehicle. These are violations and will result in an extension of the ignition interlock program.

Looking for legal help

When the police arrest you for drunk driving, you will need legal representation. Reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney who will see to the protection of your rights, work to get your penalties reduced and advise you as to whether the ignition interlock program will be the right choice for you to make.

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