Ignition Interlock Devices

If you get convicted of an OWI – 1st offense, and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15 or higher, Wisconsin law requires that you have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle.  The IID is also required for anyone convicted of an OWI – 2nd offense or higher, no matter what the BAC level is.

An IID is kind of like a breathalyzer that gets installed in your car.  The driver is required to blow into the IID in order to start their car.  The IID measures a sample of the user’s breath for alcohol and prevents the car from starting if a certain amount of alcohol is detected. 

If you have been arrested for an OWI, one of the first things that you should do is confirm with the DMV how many vehicles are titled or registered in your name.  If you have more than one vehicle you may be required to get an IID installed in each vehicle, which can get quite expensive.  The next thing that you should if you’ve been arrested for an OWI is call me.  I’m happy to help!