Lifesafer Interlock for North Georgia

Georgia driving under the influence (DUI) laws require courts to order the installation and maintenance of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for repeat DUI offenders. DUI in the State of Georgia is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Offenders are responsible for any and all costs associated with the IIDs, including installation, leasing, maintenance and removal. The offender may be eligible for an exemption to the IID requirement. To be considered for an exemption to the IID requirement, the offender must prove to the court that the IID requirement creates a financial hardship. Offenders must obtain IIDs from service providers that are approved by the state.

The IID is a device that is connected to the vehicle’s ignition system. The offender submits breath samples into the device. The IID uses the breath alcohol samples to determine the offender’s BAC. If the offender attempts to start a vehicle with a BAC that is above a pre-set limit, the IID prevents the vehicle from starting. At random times while the offender is operating the vehicle, the IID alerts the offender to submit a breath sample. If the “rolling re-test” results in a BAC that is above the pre-set limit, the IID triggers the vehicle’s horn and lights. The IID continues to activate the horn and lights until the offender submits a clean breath sample or turns off the vehicle’s ignition.

The offender must have the IID serviced and calibrated at the frequency specified by the court and the approved service provider. Failure to complete the required service may result in a permanent lockout. During the lockout phase, the IID prevents the vehicle from starting under any circumstance. At the offender’s expense, the vehicle must be towed to the approved service provider to have the lockout phase re-set. Other circumstances, such as a number of failed tests, may cause the IID to initiate a lockout phase.