Just about everyone knows that, if you are convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), you will have to face consequences such as jail time, fines and a drivers’ license suspension. However, the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle is another possible penalty that many people aren’t aware of. Here are the various circumstances under which a court may require you to install an IID in all of your vehicles at your own expense.
At the judge’s discretion
Indiana law gives judges in OWI cases a great deal of discretion when deciding what the penalty for each offense should be. Thus, it’s impossible to say whether a judge will order you to install an IID in your OWI case.
Whether or not a judge will choose to impose an IID on you, and for how long, depends upon the individual circumstances of your arrest. The probability of an order imposing an IID installation increases with each subsequent OWI conviction that you receive.
Hardship licenses
Once your OWI conviction is final, the BMV will likely suspend your license for 180 days or more. However, the government understands that some people rely on being able to drive in order to provide for themselves and their families. This is why, under certain circumstances, you may be able to get a temporary hardship license, which will allow you to drive to and from work.
As a condition for receiving a hardship license, it is likely that the BMV will require you to install an IID in your vehicle. You may be able to remove the IID once the BMV restores your full driving privileges.
If you have an OWI hearing coming up, it can be helpful to know the types of penalties that the court could possibly order upon conviction, so that you can plan accordingly.
