Driving while under the influence of alcohol can bring many potential complications for a Kentucky driver. If convicted, you could face penalties that may include license suspension, alcohol treatment programs and more. It is also possible, depending on the details of your individual situation, that there may be a requirement of having an ignition interlock device installed in your car. You could also pursue this option in lieu of a longer license suspension.
The period of license suspension after a DUI can be lengthy, and the inability to drive can make certain aspects of your life quite difficult. You may decide to enroll in the Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program, which could reduce the suspension period. In exchange for a shorter suspension, you may have one of these devices installed in your vehicle. Before you decide to enroll in the KIIP, you may benefit from understanding eligibility requirements and other details.
KIIP requirements
With the program, you will be responsible for having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Before starting the vehicle, you must breathe into the device, which measures any alcohol in your system. If there is a discernable amount of alcohol, the vehicle will not start, and you could face additional consequences. In order to be eligible for the KIIP program, you must be free of any violations for 90 or 120 consecutive days depending on the specific type of offense. Common violations of the consecutive day requirement include:
- Failure to pass a random breath test unless there is evidence you were not in the vehicle at the time
- Failure to pass a retest with a BAC of .02% or lower
- Failure to pay the fees associated with having an ignition interlock device
- Failure to take the vehicle for regular inspection and maintenance of the ignition interlock device
- Altering or concealing the driver’s identity from the camera when taking the breath test upon entering the vehicle
- Tampering with the device in order to make it ineffective
The decisions you make regarding your DUI will affect you long term. If you are considering alternatives that will allow you to mitigate some penalties, such as having an ignition interlock device installed, you would be wise to consider the potential long-term implications of those choices. It is your right to pursue a beneficial resolution to your case, whether that is challenging the entire case against you or seeking lower penalties.
