An ignition interlock device (IID) is a portable breath test. Professionals wire the test into a vehicle’s ignition system so that it can stop someone from starting their vehicle if they have an unsafe blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Some drivers in New Hampshire will need to install IIDs at their own cost and then perform a test every time they want to start their vehicle. IIDs can be embarrassing, expensive and frustrating for someone who just wants to drop the kids off at school or get home from work.
Although IIDs do allow some people to regain driving privileges when they would otherwise not be able to drive, many people still resent the requirement to pay for the device and do a test every time they drive. When might New Hampshire courts require that you install an IID?
When you get convicted of an aggravated drunk driving charge
A standard drunk driving charge is the result of someone driving erratically or failing a breath test despite driving normally. When the circumstances seem particularly dangerous, the state may charge the driver with aggravated drunk driving.
Driving 30 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit while drunk could cause an aggravated charge. A drunk driver could also face an aggravated charge if they cause a crash, flee the police, have an exceptionally high BAC or have a minor under the age of 16 in their vehicle.
When you have repeat drunk driving charges on your record
Someone who has multiple impaired driving offenses on their record from both inside and outside New Hampshire may have to install an IID. The more repeat offenses on someone’s record and the more recent they are, the more likely it is that the state will demand that they install an IID.
When the state has already suspended their license
Someone who gets caught driving after New Hampshire has suspended their license for drunk driving will likely have to install an IID in their vehicle when they get their license back.
Recognizing if the drunk driving allegations against you might lead to an IID installation requirement can help you better plan a defense.
