Breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID)

What is a BAIID?

 

A Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device, or BAIID, is a device installed in a vehicle that measures a driver’s breath alcohol content (BrAC). To start their vehicle, users must provide the BAIID with a sample breath that is negative for alcohol. Some states, including Illinois, also require a BAIID to capture the image of the driver as he or she performs the breath test.  

 

Ignition interlock devices, or BAIIDS, are required for DUI offenders in most states. 

 

Who receives a BAIID and why?
Depending on your state’s regulations, you may be required to install a BAIID in your vehicle after a first or consecutive alcohol-related traffic conviction.

 

What to expect with your BAIID:
Once installed, the driver must provide the BAIID with an initial blow to start the vehicle. He or she must also provide breath samples throughout the trip. Any person driving the vehicle, regardless of driving history, must use the BAIID. The device records the results of each trip.

 

How does a BAIID work?
Installed in the ignition of a vehicle, the BAIID prevents a driver from starting his or her car if the breath sample registers a BrAC higher than the legal limit set by your state.

 

How much does a BAIID cost?
All costs associated with a BAIID are to be paid by the offender. This includes installation, monthly rental, and monthly monitoring fees. Pricing varies per vendor but BAIID device costs average the following:

  • Installation -- $85
  • Monthly BAIID rental -- $80 per month
  • Monthly monitoring fees -- $30 per month

Both the installation and rental fees are paid to the vendor. The BAIID monitoring fees must be paid to the Secretary of State’s Office.

 

Where can I lease a BAIID?

You can purchase your BAIID through a number of online vendors, including but not limited to:

  • Intoxalock
  • AlcoTest Inc
  • ALCOLOCK
  • Simple Interlock
  • LifeSafer
  • Alcohol Detection Systems
  • CAM Systems
  • 1A Smart Start
  • Guardian Interlock Systems

 

What is considered a violation of the BAIID?

Every 60 days, the Secretary of State will review the BAIID device for violations. If an offender fails a breath test during this period, it will result in a violation and a BAIID violation explanation letter will be issued. In addition to a breath test failure, tampering can result in a BAIID-related violation.

 

Minor violations of a BAIID device include:

  • Three start-up test failures within a monitoring period after the first two months.
  • Failure to report the BAIID installer for servicing within 7 days of his or her scheduled monitoring date
  • Major violations of BAIIDs include:
  • A rolling retest violation, in which the offender failed to take the retest when prompted by the BAIID device or the random retest detects a BrAC higher than the legal limit set by your state
  • An arrest or conviction for drunk or drugged driving.
  • Tampering with the BAIID.
  • Circumventing the BAIID.
  • Three minor violations within a monitoring period.
  • Removing the BAIID without having another device installed within 7 days, unless the Secretary of State has authorized the removal.
  • Operating a vehicle without a properly installed BAIID.

 

What is the consequence for a BAIID violation?

After an offender receives a BAIID violation explanation letter, he or she must respond to the request. If not, the offender’s suspension may be extended for three additional months per violation or the MDDP may be cancelled.

More consequences of a BAIID violation include:

  • After three violations, the offender’s car may be impounded for at least 30 days.
  • After four violations, the offender’s car may be seized.

 

Can I appeal my BAIID violation?
Yes, appeals can be made to the Administrative Hearings Section. A BAIID violation appeal must be in writing and submitted within 14 days of the effective date of reinstatement.

 

When and how can I remove the BAIID device?
Once you are eligible for reinstatement of your license, you may request a license appeal hearing. At this hearing, you will provide reports that note any violations and prove the BAIID device was installed for the required length of time.

If you are a high BrAC offender, you may ask to have a BAIID removed from your vehicle one year after your original license suspension. 

To be approved for BAIID removal, you must NOT have any of the following on your BAIID monitoring report:

  • Instances of BAIID test samples with a BrAC higher than the legal limit set by your state
  • Convictions for operating a vehicle without a properly installed BAIID
  • Evidence of tampering with, or circumventing, the BAIID

 

I’m approved for BAIID removal! Now what?

Once BAIID removal has been approved, take the Order Authorizing BAIID Removal to your provider. If no license sanctions are in effect, take it to a Secretary of State office, pay the reinstatement fee, and return to full driving.

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