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.