Many people in California convicted of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated offenses may lose their driving privileges as part of the penalties for their charges.
During a driver’s license suspension period, some people may reinstate their driving privileges via different methods. One method may put drivers in a position that encourages distracted driving.
Driver’s license suspension options
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, a DUI defendant may request a restricted driver’s license. This type of license gives them the ability to drive to and from work. Another way that a DUI defendant may reinstate driving privileges during a suspension period is by installing and using an ignition interlock device. With an IID, a person may drive at any time and for any purpose.
How an IID works
An ignition interlock device aims to prevent a person from driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. It achieves this in two ways. First, the IID requires a driver to pass a breath test prior to starting a vehicle’s ignition.
Additionally, the driver must take subsequent breath tests during a driving trip. Car and Driver magazine indicates these rolling retests force people into distracted driving behaviors. To take a test, a driver must hold the device in one hand, read the device display and concentrate on all steps of the test. This creates a manual, visual and cognitive distraction.
Several accidents have been linked to a driver’s participation in one of these required rolling retests, highlighting the dangers they pose to DUI defendants and other motorists and pedestrians as well.