Ignition Interlock Devices in Wheeling, West Virginia

If you are a repeated offender of DUI and have faced multiple charges, it is highly probable that your driving privileges will be revoked. Otherwise, you will have to comply with driving restrictions and protocols. One such restriction involves the installation of the Guardian Interlock Device. As per the court order, this device must be installed on the car’s dashboard. Before starting the vehicle, the driver must blow into the device, which will detect the presence of alcohol in their breath.

When operating a vehicle in West Virginia, you certainly do not want to face severe penalties such as the installation of Ignition Interlock Devices or the requirement of a yellow number plate. If you or your loved one has been charged with DUI, it is crucial to seek the immediate assistance of a Wheeling WV DUI Lawyer to avoid these consequences.

At Pittsburgh Injury Law Group, our dedicated Wheeling WV Criminal Lawyer will attentively listen to your case and provide you with the best possible resolution. Our goal is to help you or your loved one avoid the installation of such a device in your vehicle. However, it is important to understand how this process works.

How Does It Work?

For Guardian Interlock Devices, there is a monthly maintenance fee of $100. Additionally, there will be installation charges. The device is designed to prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver’s BAC is higher than 0.2 when they blow into it. To ensure that offenders cannot deceive the system by having a sober person from their family or friends breathe into the device, it requires subsequent and frequent breath tests every few minutes once the driver begins driving. In case the device detects an elevated BAC level, the vehicle’s lights will flash and the horn will sound an alarm.

There is often a common misconception that the device can immediately stop the engine to prevent drunk driving. However, this is not the case. The Guardian Interlock Device is designed to start the engine, but it does not have the capability to stop it. Instead, the alarm system replaces the horn to draw attention on the road, signaling other vehicles to remain cautious when near the driver.

The device will generate a log, recording the BAC level each time the offender drives. This log ensures monitoring of the offender’s compliance. The device captures the following information:

• Starting attempts of the vehicle
• Breath test results
• Subsequent test results
• Any tampering attempts with the machine

Use of Restrictive Plate in West Virginia

Introduced by Senate Bill 123, the use of restrictive plates, also known as the scarlet letter, is mandated for DUI/DUI charges. Since January 1, 2004, judges have been provided with guidelines on implementing these yellow plates with red lettering. Offenders are required to replace their regular license plates with these restrictive plates, serving as driving privileges. First-time offenders can choose whether to have the plate or not, while repeated offenders or high-tier offenders must have the restrictive plates installed. Seek the assistance of a Wheeling WV Criminal Lawyer to avoid enduring such consequences.

Issuance of restrictive plates is conditional upon the offender’s request for driving privileges during license suspension. Our experienced Wheeling WV DUI Lawyer is dedicated to completely avoiding such circumstances, ensuring you are not stigmatized by the offense.

Consult Wheeling WV DUI Lawyer

Our diligent Wheeling WV Criminal Lawyer will attentively listen to your case, striving to secure the justice you rightfully deserve. Contact us today for a free case review.