The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires anyone who has been convicted, made an admission or been assigned to a Driver Alcohol Education Program more than once in their lifetime to install an iginition interlock device in their car before they will reinstate driving privileges. This requirement is imposed even if the court characterizes your case as a first offense.
An Ignition Interlock Device is a handheld breath alcohol testing device that is connected to the car’s ignition. The car will not start with an initial test of greater than .02. In addition, the car will require random “rolling retests” which tests your breath alcohol level periodically. The driver is required to have the device installed and calibrated every 30 days. A calibration includes a data upload which reports any infractions to the RMV.
Possible violations of the Ignition Interlock requirement include failed intitial tests or missed rolling retests as well as failed rolling retests, missed monthly calibration and device tampering. The penalties for any of these infractions range from a lockout (the car will remain disabled) to a 10 year license loss. With such extreme penalties it is critical that drivers who require an ignition interlock device remain vigilant about following the guidelines and protect themselves from device malfunctions.
Specifically, if your device indicates a failed test and you have not been drinking, immediately report to a medical office for a blood test or to the police department to prove your sobriety. It may be months later that the RMV questions the violation and it is the driver’s burden to prove innocence.
Be warned, these devices are not accurate as there are endless cases of erratic breath test results being recorded within minutes. If accused of a violation, contact an experienced DUI attorney and protect yourself.
Tags: dui attorney, ignition interlock device, registry of motor vehicles
Ed
Do not use hand sanitizer. I had sanitizer in my car and used after cleaning an office. I work for cleaning company used the sanitizer then wigglede my hands to dry them. I smelled the arromma of the sanitizer which has 62 percent alchol and then popped open my cap to drink water as directed. I teseted .032,.030, and then .025. Not sure if it was being in a confined space and smelling it or popping cap for my water. Now I had to pay 50 dollars after i violated 3 times. I had to call smart start. Go down to the hearings officer at registry. That is where I am at now. i am not sure what is going to happen as these people think i was drinking. They never tested hand sanitizer as I asked them. This cost me 50 dollars time and may cost me money on lawyers and god only knows if i will lose my license. I have not drank in two and a half years also. I just wanted to let you people know that have it not to use hand sanitizer in your car and if you use stay away from a pop cap water mug. You do not want this to happen to you!
Jacob -
I appreciate your comments and hope that you were able to navigate the RMV under these circumstances. Check out my latest blog entitled RMV Fairness?? I am sure you will relate.
I handle a relatively high volume of interlock cases. I have to say that my clients and I have always been treated fairly and even courteously by the staff at the RMV. I’ve either requested, or directed my clients to request, all of the evidence which the Registry intends to introduce at the IVO hearing. The Registry has always provided me with the requested information in advance. This information provided included a complete description of the allegations as well as the printouts and all assocaited documents.