BC Criminal Defence Lawyer Blog

BC ignition interlock program for DUI / impaired convictions

The Office of the Superintendant of Motor Vehicles (British Columbia) now (as of February 1, 2009) requires drivers to install an ignition interlock device in all vehicles they drive if:

• An alcohol-related Criminal Code or Motor Vehicle Act conviction,
• Three 24-hour prohibitions within 5 years, or
  
• Two Administrative Driving Prohibitions (ADP) within 5 years.

The more offences, the longer the device is required.
An ignition interlock device requires a driver to breathe into an into a breathalyzer type device before the vehicle will start.  If there's alcohol in the breath, the vehcile won't start.

Drivers with the interlock device will need to go to an interlock installation centre every 1 - 2 months to download the information recorded.  The yearly cost for an interlock device is $1,600.  If a person required to install the interlock device drives another vehicle for work, they need to install a separate device in that vehicle also at an additional $1,600 per year.