After a drunk driving arrest in California, drivers can get a restricted license so they can keep driving. However, the license comes with a requirement to drive with an ignition interlock device (IID). Driving with an IID can be a pain and it can get expensive to install and maintain. 

Some drivers may be tempted to try and cheat with the IID. If you get caught hacking or tampering with the IID, you can get more serious penalties. If you really want to avoid an IID, find out about your legal defense options so you won't be convicted. Contact East Bay DUI defense lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.

Installed Ignition Interlock Devices for Alameda County Drivers

As part of your drunk driving penalties, in order to get a restricted license, you have to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. There are a number of places to get an IID installed, including car repair shops and car audio locations. To be valid, the IID installer has to have a license issued by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) or the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). 

Bypassing or Removing IIDs 

The bad news is, you probably can't bypass the IID without facing consequences. You can look online to find plenty of "tips and tricks" to hack, bypass, or deactivate your IID. Unfortunately, any tampering will be registered in the device. When it is finally time to get your IID taken off and get your license back, the installer can report any tampering with the device, which will be reported to the court. 

There are consequences for tampering with or deactivating an IID. If you are under a restricted license, tampering with the IID may be considered a probation violation. It is considered "IID noncompliance" by: 

• Attempting to bypass the IID
• Tampering with the IID
• Attempting to remove the IID

Under California Vehicle Code, the DMV "shall immediately suspend or revoke the privilege to operate a motor vehicle of a person who attempts to remove, bypass, or tamper with the device, who has the device removed prior to the termination date of the restriction, or who fails three or more times to comply with any requirement for the maintenance or calibration of the ignition interlock device."

Common Tricks That Don't Really Work

There are lots of internet tricks that may allow a temporary bypass of the device but they may be detected and reported to the DMV or the court. Common tricks that can be detected include: 

• Disconnecting the IID (this will be immediately reported to the monitoring authority)
• Using a balloon to blow into the device (drivers have to repeat a specific breath pattern, which may include blow-inhale-blow patterns)
• Using mints or gum (this will not cover up alcohol vapor and some products also contain alcohol, to increase your recorded BAC result)

DUI Defense Attorney for Drivers in Oakland and the East Bay

If you were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Oakland or the East Bay, call an experienced DUI defense attorney for help. East Bay attorney Lynn Gorelick has more than 40 years of California DUI defense experience and understands the consequences of a drunk driving conviction. Contact East Bay DUI defense lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.