Driving With an Ignition Interlock Device in GA – Part 1

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Regain Driving Privilege With an Ignition Interlock Device

If you have been arrested for a DUI in the State of Georgia, you will likely have to deal with a license suspension. Many times, you can regain your ability to drive legally by having an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle.

Arrested for DUI? Contact Schiavone Law Group

There are two ways that your license can be suspended after a DUI arrest that may involve ignition interlock. An administrative suspension is given when you fail or refuse a state-administered blood, breath or urine test and an officer confiscates your license immediately. You are given a temporary license and have thirty days to request to appeal your administrative suspension OR install an ignition interlock on your car. You cannot do both and you have 30 days from the date of your arrest to choose which option you prefer. Beware that if you choose to install an ignition interlock device on your car, that interlock must stay in your vehicle for a period of one year and there is a monthly cost involved. If you choose to appeal your administrative suspension and ultimately lose your hearing, your license will be suspended as well (30 days with a limited permit if you took the state breath test and blew over the legal limit and one year with no permit if you refused the state test).

Click here to see a List of Georgia DDS Approved Interlock Providers.

Judicial suspension is given when you are sentenced by the court. This is a completely separate suspension from the administrative suspension, but how you handle the administrative suspension may influence your sentencing in court. If you are convicted of two DUIs within a five year period, you will be REQUIRED by DDS to install an ignition interlock in your car.

Read more about Ignition Interlocks and the steps required before the ignition interlock can be installed if you are facing a second DUI conviction within five years.

Ashley Schiavone, DUI Lawyer in Gwinnett and Fulton County is also the author of the 2016 Defending DUI: Case Outline for DUI Lawyers.