Most people who face charges of driving under the influence (DUI) can predict a few of the possible costs that come with being convicted, including fines and court costs. A Colorado Springs DUI conviction, however, comes with other, hidden costs as well. One possible hidden cost of a DUI conviction is the price to have an ignition interlock device installed on the driver’s vehicle.
An ignition interlock device works by testing a driver’s breath sample for alcohol. If the sample tests positive, the device prevents the car from starting. Drivers may also have to give samples at random times while driving, known as “rolling tests.” When a court requires a driver convicted of DUI to have an ignition interlock device installed on his or her vehicle, the driver is responsible for paying the costs of the installation. The installation fee can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the driver’s location and how difficult it is to install the device on the driver’s specific vehicle. The driver may also have to pay a rental fee of approximately $50 to $100 per month.
Drivers are also responsible for the costs of maintaining the device and downloading data from it. The installer can provide specific information about these tasks, but in general, an ignition interlock device must be calibrated at least once every 60 days to ensure it is working correctly.
The costs of an ignition interlock device can add up fast. Unfortunately, even drivers who try to avoid these costs by not driving may face other expenses, like the costs of taking buses or taxis. An aggressive defense from an experienced DUI attorney can help drivers charged with DUI avoid these costs by seeking the best possible outcome in each driver’s case.
This blog appears courtesy of The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., a Colorado-based law firm that handles Colorado Springs DUI cases.