Common Myths about Ignition Interlock Systems

• "An Ignition Interlock System violates your
  Constitutional Rights."

  False.   Driving has been interpreted by the courts as a privilege, not a right. When you are convicted of a DUI you lose that privilege. The intent of the legislation is to allow you to regain that privilege in lieu of suspension through the use of an ignition interlock device.

• “If I own more than one motor vehicle, will I be
  required to install an ignition interlock only on the
  one vehicle I intend to drive.”

  False.   FS §316.193 requires that an ignition interlock device be installed in all vehicles that are individually or jointly leased or owned and routinely operated by the convicted driver.

• “The ignition interlock drivers license restriction designation can never be deleted from the front
  of my drivers license “

  False.   You can have the ignition interlock restriction code “P” removed from the front of your drivers license upon the expiration of time that the device was ordered by the Court. This task can easily be accomplished at any Florida Drivers License Office. However, as long as the code “P” restriction remains on the front of your license, you will be subject to arrest for the offense of "violation of drivers license restriction" should a law enforcement officer observe you to operate a motor vehicle that is not properly equipped with an approved interlock device. For a list of all Pinellas County Drivers License Office locations, along with their phone numbers and hours of operation click here.

• "If your engine stalls, you must resubmit another breath sample to re-start your vehicle."

  False.   If your vehicle stalls, a sample-free start (or grace period) is offered to allow you to to restart the engine within a period of up to three minutes.

• "If the ignition interlock device fails, you will not be able to start and move your vehicle."

  False. There is an emergency over-ride feature in which the driver calls the service provider to learn how to activate the emergency "over-ride" or "by-pass" function. Utilization of this "one-time only" feature allows the vehicle to be started without the need for a breath sample. The vehicle can then be driven to a service center for repair or replacement of the ignition interlock device.

• “The ignition interlock device only works when the person it was installed for provides a breath sample.”

  False. Ignition interlock devices measure breath samples, and cannot determine who provides the sample. The car will start if any breath sample submitted registers under the preset limit.