Ignition Interlock Devices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

If you have multiple DUI charges in Pennsylvania, you risk losing your driving privileges. Even if you don’t lose your license entirely, you will likely face strict driving restrictions and protocols. One common requirement is the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device, such as the Guardian Interlock system. Following a court order, you would need to have this device installed on your car’s dashboard. Before starting the car, you must blow into the device, which analyzes your breath for the presence of alcohol.

When driving in Pennsylvania, facing severe penalties like installing an Ignition Interlock Device or being forced to use a yellow license plate is something everyone wants to avoid. If you or someone you care about is facing a DUI charge, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent these outcomes. Hiring a skilled Pittsburgh DUI lawyer right away is your best course of action.

At Logue Law Group, our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer will listen to your case carefully and work to find the best possible solution. We will strive to help you or your loved one avoid the requirement of installing such a device in your vehicle. To understand how we can help, it’s important to first know how these devices work.

How Does It Work?

For Guardian Interlock Devices, there is typically a monthly maintenance fee of around $100, in addition to the initial installation cost. The device is calibrated so that the vehicle will not start if the driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.02% or higher when they breathe into it. To prevent someone from having a sober friend or family member start the car for them, the device requires additional breath tests at random intervals while the car is running. A Pittsburgh DUI lawyer can help explain the specific regulations in Allegheny County.

If the device detects a BAC level above the set limit during one of these subsequent tests, the vehicle’s lights will start flashing and the horn will sound an alarm. A common misconception is that the device will shut off the engine if it detects alcohol, but this is not the case. While the Guardian Interlock device can prevent the engine from starting, it cannot stop it once it’s running. The alarm system is designed to draw attention to the vehicle on the road, signaling other drivers to keep their distance.

The device also maintains a detailed log that records the BAC level each time the driver operates the vehicle. This log tracks compliance with the court’s orders and records the following information:

• Every attempt made to start the vehicle.
• The results of each initial breath test.
• The outcomes of all subsequent rolling tests.
• Any attempts to tamper with or bypass the machine.

Use of Restrictive Plates in Pennsylvania

Senate Bill 123 introduced the “scarlet letter” plates, officially known as restrictive plates, for DUI offenses. As of January 1, 2004, judges have specific guidelines regarding the use of these yellow plates with red lettering. An offender is required to replace their standard license plates with these distinctive yellow ones. These plates signify that the driver has been granted limited driving privileges after a DUI conviction. For a first-time offense, these plates are often optional. However, for repeat offenders or those with a high-tier offense, the restrictive plates become mandatory. To avoid this consequence, it is essential to contact a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer for legal guidance.

Restrictive plates are typically issued when an offender requests driving privileges while their license is under suspension. The role of an experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer from our team is to fight to avoid this outcome entirely, so you are not stigmatized by this public marker of your offense.

Consult a Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer

A dedicated Pittsburgh criminal lawyer from our team will carefully review the details of your case and work to ensure you receive the justice you deserve. Get a free review of your case today or call us at 412-387-6901 and learn how we can assist you.