People who have been convicted of drunk driving may be eligible to participate in Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program instead of having to stop driving during the administrative per se suspension. It’s also possible that a judge will refer someone or order them to participate in the program.
The length of time that a person has to have the ignition interlock device depends on why they’re entering the program. A judge can order a specific amount of time as a result of a drunk driving conviction. Certain circumstances have predetermined times.
For example, a person who elects to enter the program instead of having an administrative suspension would have the device for 180 days if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was at least .08% but less than .15%. That time increases to one year if the person didn’t submit to a BAC test or had a BAC of .15% or higher.
How does the ignition interlock work?
In Maryland, an ignition interlock device must have a digital camera that captures an image of the person blowing into the device. A breath sample is required to start the vehicle and periodically during travel. If a sample is required during travel, the driver has a limited time to provide that sample. The vehicle won’t start if the sample contains measurable alcohol.
The results of the ignition interlock samples are recorded and submitted electronically to an automatic monitoring system. The devices must be calibrated once a month by an approved company.
The costs of the ignition interlock program must be paid by the participant. Some people who are facing drunk driving charges may opt to fight the charges to minimize the penalties they’ll face. Working with someone who’s familiar with Maryland laws may be beneficial for these individuals.