Welcome to FloridaIgnitionInterlocks.com.

On July 1, 2003 Florida legislation went into effect mandating that many persons convicted of DUI install an ignition interlock device prior to seeking driver's license reinstatement. Ignition interlock devices are no longer discretionary sentencing options. Rather, this new body of law made the ignition interlock device a mandatory DHSMV administrative prerequisite to reinstating your privilege to drive.

What is an ignition interlock device?

Its appearance looks innocent enough. A passerby might even conclude that the driver is simply holding a cell phone with a power cord connected to the dashboard cigarette lighter outlet. But... the driver knows otherwise. 

The standard ignition interlock device is an in-car breath screening apparatus that requires the driver to pass a breath-alcohol test before his motor vehicle will start.  Typically, it is located inside the passenger compartment, near the driver’s seat, and hard wired to the engine’s ignition system.  Once the driver blows into a mouthpiece, the device will determine if his breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) exceeds a pre-set limit.  If the driver’s BrAC exceeds the prohibited level; the ignition interlock will effectively prevent the vehicle from being started.

How this specialized website can help you

FloridaIgnitionInterlocks.com is provided as a courtesy by the Law Offices of Russo & Russo, P.A. The Law Firm's more comprehensive criminal defense and DUI website can be found at www.defensehelp.com.

Attorneys Frank Russo and Marc Pelletier are former state prosecutors whose practice is limited to criminal and DUI cases arising out of the St. Petersburg / Clearwater / Pinellas County area.  These lawyers hold a host of specialized DUI credentials that include certification as Intoxilyzer operators and NHTSA certification in the proper administration of field sobriety testing. Their knowledge of Florida Ignition Interlock devices and DUI legislation is extensive.

When Florida Ignition Interlock legislation was first introduced to the Pinellas County legal system, Attorney Frank Russo was called upon to present an Ignition Interlock Symposium designed to educate defense attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement, judges, and the local media on the ramifications of this sweeping new law.

This website will provide you with a great deal of information on Florida's Ignition Interlock law, including:

• How Florida's Ignition Interlock device works

• DUI Laws and Ignition Interlock Requirements

• Ignition Interlock Installation facilities in St. Petersburg / Clearwater

• Cost of Installing and Leasing an Ignition Interlock device in the Tampa Bay area

• How the Ignition Interlock device is installed in a motor vehicle

• Violations of Florida's Ignition Interlock Law

• Myths associated with Florida's Ignition Interlock Device

• The Background and History of Florida's Ignition Interlock Legislation

Attorneys at Law
St. Pete / Clearwater / Pinellas
Free Consultations
(727) 578-0303

Defending Clients Charged with:

DUI / Driving Under the Influence
Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
Violation of Driver's License Restriction

All Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses

This web site was created by the Law Offices of Russo & Russo, P.A. to provide you with a better understanding of how Florida's Ignition Interlock legislation may affect you. Given frequent legislative changes in the area of DUI law and the unique nature of each case, readers are urged not to rely solely on this or any other web site. Rather, you are well advised to consult with an experienced attorney.