As experienced Rochester DWI lawyers, we have seen many innovations over the years designed to reduce the frequency of motor vehicles being operated while the driver is under the influence of alcohol.

Most of these changes have involved increased penalties for drinking and driving offenses and changes to the manner in which the laws are enforced – such as the use of field sobriety checkpoints.

While drivers convicted of drinking and driving currently may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car, the idea of using this technology to actively prevent any driver who has been drinking from being able to start a car is a relatively new idea.

The ignition interlock devices currently in use for drivers convicted of DWI require the driver to provide a breath sample before turning a car on and will not allow the car to start if a certain level of alcohol is detected.

Use of these devices on all vehicles has been discussed at levels as high as the U.S. Congress, and some automakers have even begun to experiment with building ignition interlock devices directly into new motor vehicles.

As a result, it appears entirely possible that someday all cars may come with an ignition interlock device installed as part of their standard equipment.

While this definitely appears to be a possibility in future automobiles, there are several issues that would have to be addressed before drivers can be required to be tested for alcohol any time before they start of car.

Issues such as how accurate the devices must be, what happens if the device suffers a mechanical failure, and how intrusive they are into the privacy rights of citizens who have not been accused of any offense all will become issues if the effort to have these devices in every vehicle gains momentum.

If you have been arrested for drinking and driving and have any questions about when a driver must have an ignition interlock device, please feel free to call us at 585-484-7432 for a legal consultation.