Sunday, March 13, 2011

Statistics for the Ignition Interlock in Maryland

Below find some basis data on the use of the Maryland Ignition Interlock program for drivers arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) (both alcohol, drugs, or both.)

State Ignition Interlock Program:   According to MVA, about 8,000 drivers participate annually in the Maryland ignition interlock program.  About 6,000 drivers are in the program at any one time and about 2,000 cycle out of the program on a recurring basis due either to successful completion or failure to complete the program.  In fiscal 2010, 3,244 people successfully completed the program and 2,997 people withdrew due to failure to complete program requirements.  Participants generally are repeat offenders or offenders who refused a BAC test or had a BAC test result of 0.15 or more.  A participant must pay a fee to an ignition interlock provider for device installation and maintenance unless exempted due to financial hardship.  These fees are not regulated by MVA.  MVA does not impose a program fee although it has statutory authority to do so.  The participant must have the device serviced and data downloaded by the vendor every 30 days.  Five vendors are certified by MVA to provide equipment for the program.  MVA monitors participants through the data reports from the vendors.  Violations, such as attempting to start or operate a vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.025, failing to submit to a retest after starting the vehicle, tampering with the interlock device, having another person blow into the device, or operating a vehicle without a device, can result in removal from the program or an extension of the person’s required period of participation.

Visit the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC, for more information on DUI & DWI Defense.

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