Ignition Interlock

Ignition interlock

Under North Carolina law there are multiple ways that an individual can be required to place an ignition interlock on a vehicle. Currently, Monitech the only company that is approved to place and monitor the ignition interlock devices in the State of North Carolina.

The most common situation where an individual will be required to place an interlock on his or her vehicle is when an individual is convicted of a Driving While Impaired (DWI / DUI) and his or her Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.15 or greater. Individuals convicted of driving drunk with a BAC of 0.15 or greater are not eligible to obtain a limited driving privilege (LDP) for a period of forty-five (45) days following their conviction. Additionally, the ignition interlock device must remain on the vehicle for a period of one year. Further, individuals convicted under these circumstances will be forbidden from operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.04 or greater.

An individual who has been convicted of a second (or more) DWI / DUI within a seven (7) year period will also be required to place an interlock on his or her vehicle upon reinstatement of his or her driving privileges. Any such reinstatement shall forbid operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.00 or greater. The length of suspension for violations of this type shall vary depending on the driving history and frequency of the occurrences.

Ignition Interlock devices can also be required for offenses such as driving while impaired in a commercial vehicle under NCGS §20‑138.2, driving while less than 21 years old after consuming alcohol or drugs under NCGS §20‑138.3, a violation of NCGS §20‑141.4, or manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle when the offense involved impaired driving.

For a more thorough examination of the laws pertaining to the Ignition Interlock system under North Carolina Law review NCGS §20-17.8 or contact Everett Law Firm, P. A. to confidentially discuss your individual circumstances.