If you find yourself charged with drunk driving in Florence, then you may have to come to grips with the idea that your driving privileges being suspended. First offenses usually net a license suspension of six months. Yet if this is a subsequent offense, or your blood-alcohol content was exceedingly high, then you may also have to participate in the state’s ignition interlock program once you are allowed to drive again.
Ignition interlock devices are installed on vehicle dashboards that measure your breath-alcohol concentration. You must blow into them (just as you would with a breathalyzer) every time you enter your vehicle. If your measured BrAC concentration is greater than 0.2 percent, your vehicle will not start.
According to information shared by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, you must have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle after a second or subsequent DUI conviction. If this marks your first DUI conviction, yet your BAC was measured at 0.15 or greater, you must also get an ignition interlock in order to drive. The length of time that you must have the device in your vehicle is detailed as follows:
- First DUI offense: six months
- Second DUI offense: two years
- Third DUI offense: three years
- Subsequent offenses: Indefinitely
Failed BrAC readings are recorded on your ignition interlock device, as are any perceived attempts to tamper with it. Such incidents results in points being assessed against you. If you accumulate enough points, extra time may be added onto that which is already required for you to keep the device in your car. You are, however, allowed to dispute your point totals in order to avoid any added penalties.