Arrested for a DUI?
Here are the steps to take to have the Ignition Interlock installed in your vehicle:
If you have been arrested for a DUI in the State of Maryland, you are likely going to face a suspension of your Maryland driving privilege. You have a right to request a hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings to fight the suspension that the Motor Vehicle Administration may impose upon your driver’s license. In the alternative, if you took the Breathalyzer test and blew .15 or more, or you elected to refuse the Breathalyzer test, you may be eligible to waive your right to an Administrative hearing and obtain the Ignition Interlock device in your vehicle for a set time period. That time period is based on whether you took the Breathalyzer test, or refused the Breathalyzer test; and if you have any prior DUI arrests and/or convictions.
Ignition Interlock Modification Steps
If you are eligible to have the Ignition Interlock modification, there are a number of steps that you must take.
- Contact an Interlock Provider in your area and have the Ignition Interlock device installed in your vehicle. All providers have locations throughout Maryland. You must contact a provider for locations, dates, times and fees.
- Guardian Interlock: 1-800-499-0994
- Draeger Interlock: 1-800-332-6858
- Lifesafer Interlock: 1-800-374-5760
- Smart Start Service: 1-800-880-3394
- ADS: 1-888-786-7384
- Once you have the Ignition Interlock device installed in your vehicle, you must take the certification of installation, along with your temporary license provided to you on the night of your arrest, to a full service MVA to obtain your Ignition Interlock restricted license.***your time period on the Ignition Interlock program will not begin until you obtain the Interlock restricted license***
- If you drive a company vehicle for employment and need an exemption to drive that vehicle without the Ignition Interlock, a letter from your employer must be provided to MVA upon obtaining your Interlock restricted license.
On Employer’s letterhead stationery, the Employer must:
- Verify the Employee’s full name, date of birth, and driver’s license number.
- Verify that Employee is employed with employer’s company.
- Employer must verify that he/she will not allow interlock device to be installed in employer’s vehicle.
- Employer must provide title number, tag number and vin number of vehicles that
- Employee will be driving during course of his/her employment. If vehicle fleet is too large to list each vehicle, Employer must provide MVA with Employer’s Maryland Soundex Number, or “Z” number.
- Employer must inform MVA of employee’s usual work hours.
- Employer must verify that employee will not use vehicle to commute between employee’s home and employer’s business. If employee uses vehicle to commute between home and job, the vehicle MUST have interlock installed.
Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake (SZL) highly recommends that you consult with our attorneys before electing to waive your right to an Administrative Hearing. Contact us any time for a free consultation to evaluate the details of your case.