In California, there are certain situations where ignition interlock devices are necessary in order for you to drive your vehicle after being arrested for a DUI.  An ignition interlock device is a machine that prevents your vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected through a breath test.

If you are convicted of a DUI, the Court may order an ignition interlock device as a condition of probation.  This could be from six months to three years.  The Court will ususally impose a requirement of an ignition interlock device in a second or subsequent DUI.  Also, if you are driving a vehicle while your license is suspended for a prior DUI, an ignition interlock device is mandatory. If you are convicted of a first DUI, the Court will usually not impose an ignition interlock device requirement unless there is a high blood alcohol content test result, or some other considerations the Court feels warrant such a requirement.

Sometimes, a person may choose to have an ignition interlock device on a voluntary basis to offset a one, two or three year license revocation.  There may be other reasons to agree to an ignition interlock device, such as a condition of release from jail pending a DUI trial, for example.

A good DUI attorney in California will have this option available in his arsenal of weapons to protect you after an arrest for a DUI.  It sounds corny, but the ignition interlock device could be your friend, not just an inconvenience.