Under Michigan law, people who are convicted of driving under the influence have their driver’s license revoked for a time. Depending on the offense, a driver may be able to get a restricted license that allows them to drive as long as they have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on the vehicle(s). These are generally required for at least a year.
While they can be embarrassing and inconvenient (especially if there are other family members who drive the vehicle), it’s far better to drive with an IID than to risk driving without a valid license. Further, IIDs save lives because they prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver blows into the device with alcohol on their breath.
Specialty court judges can now approve IIDs
Last fall, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two laws that extend the availability of IIDs to those who are in specialty court programs, with a judge’s approval. That means participants in drug treatment, veterans treatment and mental health treatment programs, in addition to those in DWI/Sobriety Court, can seek an IID through the newly created Specialty Court Interlock Program.
One of the Senate sponsors of the legislation said, “Specialty treatment courts are a unique facet of our justice system that help offer a path to true restoration. By marrying treatment for underlying concerns with supervised rehabilitation, these courts offer reduced recidivism and increased community support.”
Before getting an IID, it’s crucial to understand the requirements of the program and how the device works. As we move into summer, it’s also important to protect your device from intense heat and sun. These can cause an IID to break or malfunction, which can be reported as a violation. If you have questions or concerns about seeking an IID or while you have one, it can help to have legal guidance.