A Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) is a device that can be installed into a motor vehicle that inhibits the use of said vehicle, unless the driver can prove they are not under the influence of alcohol. The driver must prove this by blowing into the ignition interlock device, like they would with a field breathalyzer test, to test their breath alcohol level. In the state of Illinois, these devices also include a camera, to guarantee the driver is the person being tested by the device.
These systems are installed in the vehicles of drivers who either are on their first offense of operating a vehicle with alcohol in their systems, but have qualified for Driving Relief, and also in the vehicles of drivers on the second or third offenses who have received a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP), or anyone who has caused bodily harm during an alcohol related driving offense.
If you believe you qualify to have your driving privileges reinstated, even in a limited capacity, during your suspension period, reach out to the experienced Rolling Meadows DUI and Criminal Defense attorneys at Dohman Law Group to help you start the process of returning to the road.
If you have been stopped and charged with a DUI in the state of Illinois, your license will be suspended. This suspension is normally for 12 months for a first time offense, but there are times in which this suspension can be overturned. If your license suspension is not overturned, you may still be eligible for Driving Relief. This involves a hearing in which, during an informal hearing, you must provide evidence for a legitimate reason that you must be able to drive. This can include work related reasons, childcare related reasons, etc, that require you to drive during the period of license suspension. Driving Relief will return limited driving privileges to a first-time offender who applies and is approved.
If you are a first-time DUI offender and are eligible for Driving Relief, there is a series of steps you much go through first before you can return to driving. The first step in this process is to obtain a special permit known as a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). An application for this driving permit will one mailed to you after your informal Driving Relief hearing, and much be filled out and mailed to the office of the Secretary of State. Once you are approved for your MDDP, a BAIID will be installed in your vehicle.
Learn More: How to Beat a DUI in Illinois
If you are a driver with multiple DUI charges who has regained their driving license with restrictions, you are required by the state to have a BAIID installed in your car. You do not need to apply for a MDDP, as this is only for first-time offenders, and instead will need to apply for a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). This is a formal hearing and the offender must pay a $50 non-refundable filing fee in order to receive a hearing.
To receive an RDP you must:
All drivers who wish to drive during the period of suspension after their first offense, or any drivers with more than one offense or alcohol related arrest or criminal charge, must have a BAIID installed in their car.
Having a BAIID installed in your car is not free. There are multiple fees you must pay in order to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
This means that on top of the fines and fee you have paid for your first drunk driving offense, and any subsequent offenses, you must pay $80 up front and $120 a month just to be allowed to drive again.
Having a BAIID installed in your vehicle does not mean you can drive with no repercussions for any subsequent offenses. There is a camera installed on every BAIID unit, to insure that the driver of the vehicle is the person having their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tested. Even if the driver is not the MDDP holder and does not have a restricted permit, the driver of the vehicle must give a breath sample and have their blood alcohol content tested in order to start the vehicle.
Camera footage is pulled from these systems every 60 days and reviewed by the Secretary of State's office, paid for by your monitoring fee. If any offenses are found on the footage, the MDDP holder will be required to explain these violations during administrative hearings. If they are unable to explain the alcohol related violations, or their explanation is insufficient, this can result in extending the driving restriction period, a revocation of the driver's MDDP, your vehicle being impounded, and even jail time. If too many violations are found in a certain period of time, the vehicle may be seized by the state.
Be Prepared: What to do after you get a DUI
Violations can include attempting to use the BAIID when your blood alcohol level is too high or having a person different from the driver blow into the ignition interlock device to start the engine when the driver is impaired and knows that their breath alcohol concentration will stop them from being able to start their vehicle.
If you need help:
Dohman Law Group is here to help. We have been helping people in the Chicagoland area for years with DUI related charges. Don't hesitate to contact us today. We offer FREE consultations. Give our office a call to get your life, and your driving career, back on track.
