Relating to noncompliance with and circumvention of ignition interlock device requirements, and providing penalties

Under current law, a person whose driver’s license is revoked for operating while intoxicated is required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) prior to being issued a temporary restricted license (TRL) by the department of transportation (DOT). The IID must be installed on every vehicle operated by the person. In addition to other penalties provided by law, a person’s TRL must be revoked if the person is required to install an IID and the person operates a motor vehicle without an approved IID installed or removes the IID without authorization. This bill creates a new criminal offense, punishable as a simple misdemeanor, when a person who is required to install an IID operates a motor vehicle that does not have an approved IID installed. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than 30 days and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855. In addition, the DOT must revoke the person’s TRL for such an offense.20(7), which under current law makes it a serious misdemeanor when a person tampers with, removes without authorization, or circumvents an IID. As a result, the DOT must also revoke a person’s TRL if the person tampers with or circumvents the IID.