WASHINGTON — The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) has launched a new program aimed at reducing driving under the influence.
Starting Monday, all drivers with a D.C. license who are convicted of an alcohol or drug-related driving offense will be required to enroll in the "Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program within 30 days of conviction. The program requires participants to connect a breath alcohol analyzer to their car.
The Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is about the size of a cell phone, has a camera on it and gets wired to a car's ignition. It will require a driver to provide a breath sample before the engine will start. If it detects alcohol on your breath, the engine won't start. As you drive, you are periodically required to provide additional samples.
Once convicted of an alcohol or drug related driving offense, a driver will be required to visit DC DMV’s new online IID Program Portal to complete an application and enroll in the program. After enrolling in the IID Program, the driver will be issued a restricted DC DMV driver license and may only operate designated vehicles with an installed Ignition Interlock Device.
"Failure to enroll in the mandatory IID program will result in the indefinite revocation of the driver license and suspension of all registered vehicles," the DMV says. "The license will not be eligible for reinstatement until enrollment into the IID Program has been completed."
The International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety maintains that IIDs, when combined with a comprehensive monitoring and service program, lead to a 40–95 percent reduction in the rate of repeat drunk driving offenses among offenders as long as the IID remains on the vehicle.
"I’m confident the mandatory IID Program will help address many of the community’s safety concerns specific to individuals convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.” DC DMV Director Gabriel Robinson said.
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