Toronto Ignition Interlock Program

The Features and Specifications of The Toronto Ignition Interlock Device Program

An ignition interlock device is intricately connected to DUI charges and convictions in Toronto, Ontario. However, there are various laws governing the interlock installation, but first we will provide you with some details as to what the device is and how it actually works.

An ignition interlock device is a device that stops the driver from starting a vehicle if he/she has been drinking alcohol and where the percentage of alcohol in the driver’s breath crosses a pre-programmed limit. As a driver of a car that has this device, you are required to deliver a breath sample into the device for the car to start. If all is good, the vehicle will start. If not, the driver has to wait for some time before giving a sample again. If that fails too, the waiting period for the next trial will be longer. Our team of DUI lawyers will guide you on every aspect of the ignition interlock device should you be charged and convicted of a DUI offence.

In some cases, the monitoring of an interlock installation requires that drivers perform random breath-analyzer tests while on the road. At periodical intervals, the device will beep, signaling the driver to give a breath sample. If alcohol is detected in the sample, the engine will not be turned off immediately while the vehicle is in motion.

However, there will be a series of honking of the horn and flashing lights, signaling the driver to pull over. This is a precaution to ensure that the driver does not consume alcohol and is not under the influence even after the vehicle has started.

Do Not Hesitate To Contact Us If You Have Received A DUI Offence in Toronto

The Average Ignition Interlock Device Cost in Toronto, ON

The average ignition interlock device cost depends on a number of factors. Nevertheless, the overall cost in Toronto, ON, can be as little as $2.50 per day. The device is a deterrent against those driving under the influence and hence the price is also kept within affordable limits.

However, the cost of the car interlock will mainly depend on –

• The period for which the device will be kept installed in the vehicle.
•  The location and jurisdiction where the conviction has taken place and the orders that have been issued for interlock installation.
• The extra features that you are required to have in the device such as camera, GPS or real time reporting.
• The year, make and model of the vehicle that the car interlock will be installed.

As per Criminal laws, impaired driving is termed to be instances when a person operates or is under care or control of a motor vehicle while his/her ability to operate the vehicle impaired because of intake of either alcohol or drugs. Another related parallel offence is driving with BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) that exceeds 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood which works out to 0.08. Consequently, for the first DUI offence, the penalty is driving a vehicle fitted with an ignition interlock device in addition to other restrictions such as attending scheduled DUI classes and meetings.

In the case of second DUI offence, an accused has to drive with an interlock device for 6 months after the day of sentence for a second offence DUI. If convicted for a third DUI offence, a lifetime of enrollment is mandatory in the interlock program provided the licence is restored.

The Many Aspects of The Ignition Interlock Program in Toronto, Ontario

The Alcohol Interlock Program is for drivers who have been convicted of DUI under the Criminal Code and participating in the program is a requirement by the Motor Vehicles Registrar.

Being accepted into the program is not automatic, and apart from fees that have to be paid, an ignition interlock device has to be installed in the car. Moreover, participants in the program have to go through Addiction Services for rehabilitation, counseling, and education. The program includes “Driving While Impaired” education program, risk assessment, evaluation for alcohol or drug use and other counseling sessions.

Toronto DUI & Ignition Interlock Installation

An interlock installation is consequent to being charged with a DUI offence in Toronto, Ontario. It is imperative that you immediately consult an experienced Toronto DUI Lawyer as soon as you are pulled over and charged. We will work out strategies to beat the DUI charge after carefully evaluating the circumstances of the arrest and assessing whether the Charter of Rights have been fully respected. For professional help with DUI charges in Toronto, Ontario, give us a call now.