A DUI or DWI charge is a serious offense that will result in consequences, even if you can agree to a plea bargain and get the charged reduced. One of the common consequences people face after DUIs is the requirement of having to put an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. If this is something you will probably have to get, here are three things you should know about it.

What it is

An ignition interlock device is something that is installed in a vehicle to monitor a person's alcohol consumption. This device has the ability to detect alcohol in your breath, and you must blow in it before you drive. You might also have to blow in it occasionally while you are driving to ensure that you are really you and that you are not drinking while you are driving. Failing to blow in it will result in your car not starting, and the results of these tests might even be sent to your probation officer or the monitoring company.

How it works

When you initially get into your car to drive, you will be required to blow in the device. If the device detects no alcohol, it will allow you to start the car and drive. If it detects alcohol, it will prevent the car from starting for a certain length of time. When this length of time has passed, you can try again. Most systems are also designed to require rolling tests, which means you may have to blow in the device at certain times while you are driving. If you fail one of these, the car's lights and horn might start going off and will require that you pull over and wait a certain length of time.

The costs to get one

In most cases, you can get a device installed by a company that specializes in this and it will cost up to $200 for the installation. After that, you must pay a monthly fee that is designed to cover the costs of monitoring the device and your usage with the device. You might be able to rent an ignition interlock device or purchase one, and the costs vary.

If you are required to get an ignition interlock device, you will need to make sure you do this within the time frame the court gives you, and you must leave it there for the amount of time you are told you must have it. If you have questions about this or about a DUI charge you are facing, talk to a DUI lawyer such as Carl L. Britt, Jr. today.