If you’ve been convicted of drunk driving in Nevada, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your car. An IID is intrusive, aggravating, and limiting — but tampering with it can carry significant legal consequences. The experienced Nevada criminal defense lawyers with Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law want to help you understand the state’s IID laws and how to avoid having an ignition interlock device placed on your vehicle.
Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined legal experience and are prepared to defend your rights if you’ve been charged with a DUI. We know the stakes are high when you’re facing criminal charges. We will work diligently in pursuit of the best possible outcome in your case. When you hire Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law, you’re not just a number. We take the time to get to know every client and provide aggressive, effective representation.
If you want to know more about ignition interlock device laws in Nevada, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Who Is Required to Have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Also called a car breathalyzer, an ignition interlock device (IID) will prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver does not pass a breath test meant to detect alcohol. The IID may also conduct periodic “rolling tests” while a defendant is driving the car to ensure they are not drinking alcohol while behind the wheel. If a driver does not pass a breath test or doesn’t take the test, the IID will disable the vehicle to prevent drunk driving.
Nevada defendants may be ordered to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles when convicted of certain drunk driving offenses. According to Nevada law, the court may be required to order a driver convicted of drunk driving to install an IID in their car for a DUI conviction. How long the driver must keep the IID will depend on the following:
- First-time DUI conviction — The defendant must install an IID for 185 days to regain driving privileges.
- Second-time DUI conviction — An IID is required for at least one year to regain driving privileges.
- Third-time DUI, DUI causing injury or death, or vehicular homicide conviction — These are all felonies and require installation of an IID for three years.
There are a few exceptions to the Nevada IID laws. But only first-time offenders may get out of using IIDs. Judges can waive the IID requirement in misdemeanor DUI cases if the defendant:
- Cannot provide an adequate breath sample for the IID
- Lives more than 100 miles from a location to have the IID installed
- Can prove having an IID installed would be an economic hardship
- Needs their car to travel to work or get food, medicine, medical care, or other necessities for the defendant or their family
Costs Associated with Installing an IID
A defendant must pay for the IID device and any associated costs. However, installing an IID can be expensive. The costs associated with installing an IID include the following:
- Installing — According to Intoxalock, installing an IID can cost around $70 to $150, depending on the vehicle and device.
- Leasing — Because a defendant leases the device rather than owning it, they will be charged a monthly fee of around $60 to $90.
- Repairing, calibrating, and removing — Defendants who have IIDs installed in their vehicles are responsible for the costs of maintaining and removing the device. There are also expenses associated with having the device regularly inspected.
