Some individuals who are convicted of drunk driving will be required to have an ignition interlock installed on their vehicle. This device requires that driver of the vehicle to blow into it. The breath is checked for the presence of alcohol. If the result is higher than a preset limit, the vehicle won’t start. If you are sentenced to have one installed, you can only drive a vehicle with the device. It will also require periodic breath samples during your journey.
The restriction of driving only vehicles with the ignition interlock can be very limiting. If you are required to drive a company vehicle for work, either it will need one or you will be unable to drive the work vehicle.
Another issue with the ignition interlock is that anyone who drives your vehicle will have to give the required breath samples. There isn’t a way to pause it or stop it just because you aren’t the driver. This puts a burden on your loved ones even if they don’t drink at all.
As of Sept. 2018, there are two vendors you can choose from in New Hampshire. When you have the device installed, you have to bring a Certificate of Installation from either Draeger, Inc., or Intoxalock to the Concord DMV, where a restriction is added to your license.
You have to keep the device on your vehicle until you are cleared by the court to have it removed. There is a chance that you can face more charges if you are caught driving without an ignition interlock when you are required to have one.
