The majority of states, including Illinois, require first-time DUI offenders to have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed on their vehicles. Illinois also requires a camera unit on the BAIID to capture the image of the driver as he/she performs the breath test. According to the Illinois Secretary of State[1], on average, approximately 12,000 individuals are driving with a BAIID device installed on their car or truck. Eligibility for a Carbondale BAIID To be eligible for driving relief, an offender must obtain a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP), and a BAIID will be installed on the vehicle through the Secretary of State’s office. An MDDP and installation of a BAIID allow an offender to drive anywhere at any time as long as they are driving a vehicle installed with a BAIID. A DUI offender is responsible for all costs associated with the issuance, installation, and monitoring of the BAIID. The BAIID will alert the Secretary of State’s office if the driver attempts any incidents of driving under the influence or tampers with the BAIID device. An offender who participates in the BAIID program and is subsequently caught driving a vehicle without a BAIID device installed can be charged with a Class 4 felony. BAIID Facts for Marion Drivers If you have been arrested or charged with a DUI, or know someone who has, there are some basic BAIID facts to consider:
- Advanced technology: A BAIID uses advanced technology[2] to read a driver’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) before allowing the vehicle to be started. It is installed in the ignition of a vehicle and prevents the offender from starting the car if the driver’s breath sample registers a BAC of .025 or more. If the breath sample is negative for alcohol, the vehicle will start without incident.
- Random intervals: The BAIID requires an initial blow to start the vehicle and at random intervals throughout the trip.
- All drivers in the vehicle: Anyone driving the vehicle must use the BAIID. The MDDP holder is responsible for all actions recorded on the device.
- Monitoring: The Secretary of State’s office downloads information from the BAIID every 60 days. If a violation(s) is detected, the offender will receive a letter from the Secretary of State’s office requesting an explanation of the violation(s). If the offender does not respond to the request or the explanation is insufficient, the suspension may be extended for an additional three months per violation and/or the MDDP may be canceled. Three extensions may result in the car being impounded for a period of at least 30 days. Four extensions may result in the car being seized/forfeited.
Adam B. Lawler
Attorney at Law / Partner
Adam Lawler is the founder of Lawler Brown. Adam is a 2004 graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Adam worked for a local firm until founding the Lawler Brown in 2009. Adam’s practice areas focus in Personal Injury, Business, Real Estate, Probate/Trust/Estate Administration and general litigation.
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