The New Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Law

Under a new pilot program that affects Los Angeles DUI matters as well as DUI cases in Alameda, Sacramento, and Tulare counties, first time and repeat offenders must now have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed on vehicles they own or operate. The new law calls for a five-year pilot program that runs through Dec. 31, 2015.

According to the Governor and the director of the Department of Motor Vehicles this program is designed to cut down on repeat offenses of drunk driving. “Far too many Californians die needlessly at the hands of a drunk driver,” said DMV Director George Valverde. “This law gives the DMV the opportunity to study the effectiveness of IID devices in California.”

The new law – passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2009 — prohibits a person arrested for Driving Under the Influence from being issued or reissued a driver license by DMV following a suspension or revocation for a Driving Under the Influence violation in a pilot county that occurs after July 1, 2010, until that person provides proof of IID installation to the DMV and pays a $45 administrative service fee, in addition to meeting all other reinstatement requirements.

This creates another hurdle for people arrested for Driving Under the Influence in getting their life back in order. This is why it is more important than ever to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer who will assist you in dealing with the red tape and bureaucracy with the DMV and the courts.

When a person is arrested for driving under the influence, in addition to facing criminal charges, they are also faced with a license suspension. Many times this penalty has more of an effect on a person than the criminal charges themselves. Living in Los Angeles and not having the use of a vehicle can lead to loss of work and freedom. At SIGAL LAW GROUP our Los Angeles DUI attorneys can work with the courts as well the DMV and obtain a restricted license for our clients so that they can get back to work and get their life back in order. CALL SIGAL LAW GROUP TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION. CALL 818 325-0570

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device is a device, like a breathalyzer, installed in a vehicle. Before the car's motor can be started, a person must first exhale into the device, if the person's breath-alcohol concentration is greater than the allowable limit the device prevents the engine from being started and the person cannot drive the car.

Sometime after the engine has been turned on, the IID will ask for the driver to give another breath sample. This is to prevent a third person from blowing into the device, enabling the inebriated person to drive. If no sample is provided or blood alcohol content exceeds preset blood alcohol level, the device will log the event, warn the driver and then start up an alarm such as lights flashing or horn honking until the car is turned off. The vehicle cannot be restarted until a clean breath sample is provided.  An IID will not automatically turn off the vehicle because this would create a hazard on the road.

If You Are Arrested for DUI You Need To Hire a Qualified Attorney

Because of changes in the law the stakes for California drivers arrested for driving under the influence have never been higher. Only a qualified Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you. There are many ways to beat a DUI case and not all arrests lead to a conviction and loss of driving privileges. CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION. CALL 818 325-0570