Ignition Interlock Devices

If you have been convicted of operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts, you may be able to drive under certain conditions. One condition may be the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

At the Quincy, Massachusetts law firm of Sweeney and Associates, LLC, our OUI defense attorneys work strategically to help our clients regain their driving privileges as quickly as possible. Talk to us about your case. We offer a free, confidential consultation.

Massachusetts Law on Ignition Interlock Devices

According to G.L. c. 90, § 24 ½:

• The device prevents the vehicle from operating if the BAC is above .02.
• The device must be installed on each vehicle owned, leased, or operated by a person previously convicted of OUI or similar offenses as a condition of the issuance of a new license.
• The device is to be installed for a period of two years (presumably from the date the new license is issued).
• The device must be maintained and inspected .
• The license may be revoked for up to life for two or more occasions of a failure to maintain or two or more instances of attempted use with .02 or above.

Penalties for Ignition Interlock Violations

Operation of MV in violation of interlock device restriction:

• Mandatory minimum of 150 days
• Not less than two and one-half nor more than five years if state prison or not less than 180 days nor more than two and a half years if jail
• Fine of $1,000 to $15,000

Tampering with ignition lock:

• Not less than six months nor more than two and one-half years in jail or
• Not less than three years nor more than five years in state prison

Starting an MV equipped with ignition lock:

• Fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 or
• State prison for not less than six months nor more than two and a half years

Second offenses relating to ignition interlock devices can carry increased penalties, including a possible state prison sentence of three to five years.

Contact Our Firm Today

Every case is different, so we work to develop personalized and comprehensive defenses that meet each of our client's unique needs. Call (617) 300-0212 or fill out a brief online form to get the advice you need from our Quincy OUI attorneys about your OUI case.