Getting a DUI/DWI conviction is stressful! And if you’re required to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed, you might feel that stress every time you get in your car. You might worry about failing the regular IID tests or you might feel embarrassed by other people seeing the IID in your car.
Life can get even more stressful if you can’t afford the expensive fees associated with the installation and monthly maintenance of an IID. Keep reading to understand what’s required of you when a court orders you to install an IID, how much an IID costs, and how you can receive financial assistance for an IID.
What is an IID?
If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated or aggravated driving while intoxicated as a felony or misdemeanor in New York, you will be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in any vehicle that you own or use, says NYcourts.gov. Most sentences will require you to keep the IID installed for one year or more.
When installed, an IID prevents a car from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol concentration is .025% or higher. You’ll have to exhale into the IID for a test before the engine will start, and then perform additional breath tests at random times while the engine is running. If you don’t provide the breath tests when prompted, the IID will record this and then give you a warning to provide the breath sample. If you still don’t exhale into the device, your car will start honking incessantly or going into alarm mode until you provide the breath sample. Depending on which device you have, there may even be a built-in camera.
While an IID might seem highly disruptive to your life, following the IID rules and laws at all times is absolutely necessary for your future wellbeing. If you are caught violating IID laws or driving without a court-ordered IID, you could be sentenced to up to a year in jail. Your life has been affected enough by your DUI/DWI conviction, don’t put more at risk by trying to get around IID laws.
How Expensive is an IID?
IIDs aren’t cheap. For each vehicle that you operate or own, you will have to pay an installation fee, a monthly fee, and a removal fee. The exact cost will depend on the vendor who installs the device. On average, the IID installation fee will cost between $100 and $200, with an additional fee of about $70 to $125 each month.
What if You Can’t Pay?
What happens if you’re required to install an IID and you really don’t have the money to pay for it? Understandably, this can be an extremely stressful situation. But thankfully, there are some possible solutions.
New York is one of the few states that offer the potential for financial assistance when it comes to Ignition Interlock Devices. Qualifying for the financial assistance can be a bit tricky though, so it’s imperative that you act fast and pay close attention to the required process.
If you don’t have the money to pay for an Ignition Interlock Device, you have the option to ask the court to waive the associated fees, explains NYcourts.gov. You can make this request by filling out the Financial Disclosure Form. If you can prove that you truly cannot afford an IID, then the court will waive the fees. To request the waived fees, you’ll need to take three copies of the form linked above to the court that sentenced you. It’s critical to apply as soon as possible because you will only have 10 days after your sentencing to install the IID. It’s up to the courts to decide if you qualify for the waived installation fee and waived monthly charges.
Some private companies such as Intoxalock also provide financial assistance options for qualifying drivers, although the rules for application may differ.
How to Get Help
To see if you qualify for financial assistance, contact a White Plains DUI/DWI attorney as soon as possible. Procrastinating may cause you to miss a deadline required for financial assistance.
Remember that if an IID is part of your sentencing, then it’s essential that you comply with IID laws. As inconvenient and stressful as it may seem, an IID is your solution to getting your life back to normal. Complying with IID requirements will allow you to drive normally again after a short period of time. If you have questions about your DUI/DWI case, don’t hesitate to call Darren DeUrso. Our law firm is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex route of DUI/DWI cases in White Plains, NY. Our caring legal team is available at 914.772.8614 or online
Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law
188 East Post Road, Suite 300
White Plains, NY 10601
Phone: 914.772.8614
Fax: 914-833-9788
