Florida Ignition Interlock

DUI Penalties in Florida

Florida Law requires (section 316.193 of the Florida Statutes) requires that interlock devices be installed on vehicles of drivers that are convicted of a DUI.

Ignition Interlock Program

When you are convicted of a DUI in Florida you lose your license. The length of time you lose your license depends on your individual case. When you are eligible to get your license reinstated you may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your car.

DUI Conviction / Ignition Interlock Requirement

First DUI Conviction / If court ordered
First Conviction if 0.20 or minor in car / up to 6 months
Second Conviction / At least 1 year
Second Conviction if 0.20 or minor in car / At least 2 years
Third Conviction / At least 2 years

In addition to the inconvenience of the Interlock device there are costs for installation and monthly calibration. The vehicle must be taken to a calibration facility monthly. Monthly appointment are available by appointment only and take approximately 45 minutes.

Costs to the Defendant

$70 for installation
$67.50 for monthly monitoring and calibration
$100 refundable deposit

If you cannot afford the installation of the interlock device the court may order that a portion of your fine be allocated to cover the costs of installation.

How the Ignition Interlock Works

Here is a summary of a typical scenario with the Interlock Device.

Your breathe into the device to start the car
Five minutes later the device beeps and you have to breathe again
About every 30 minutes the Interlock beeps and you must breathe into it.

Each time you breathe into the Ignition Interlock device the data is recorded and transmitted to the Florida DMV, reports are available on the Internet.