If you were caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Illinois, your driver's license may have been suspended or revoked. Without a valid driver’s license, it becomes unlawful to drive a motor vehicle. Losing your ability to drive can be a massive inconvenience. Fortunately, Illinois drivers may be able to get relief through a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) or a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). These programs allow you to get back on the road legally. There is just one catch – you must install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in your car. Many drivers wonder, “Is there a way to cheat a BAIID?”

How a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device Works

Driving under the influence of alcohol puts the driver’s life and the lives of others at risk. Consequently, Illinois state has instituted policies to prevent drunk driving. One of these rules is the BAIID requirement. Once a BAIID is installed in your vehicle, you must successfully pass a breath alcohol test to use the vehicle. You will need to blow into the mouthpiece and submit a breath sample before starting the car. The device will instantly analyze the sample for alcohol. If the BAIID detects even a very small amount of alcohol, your car will not start. If the device does not detect alcohol on your breath, your car will start up normally. You will be prompted to submit additional breath samples by blowing in the mouthpiece as you drive.

Hacking a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device

There are many rumors about alleged methods of hacking or tricking BAIIDS. Some people say that you can hold a penny in your mouth or eat certain foods to eliminate alcohol from your breath. Others suggest brushing your teeth or using mouthwash to conceal breath alcohol. These methods do not work. In fact, most mouthwashes contain alcohol, so using mouthwash or an alcohol-containing toothpaste will only worsen your situation.

Asking a non-drinking friend to blow into the device for you will also backfire. In 2013, the Illinois Secretary of State required all BAIIDs to be equipped with a camera. The device takes a picture each time a breath sample is submitted. Driving another person’s car to avoid using the BAIID can lead to additional criminal penalties. Driving without a valid license—and a suspended or revoked license is not a valid license—is  a Class A misdemeanor punishable by jail, community service, and heavy fines. If it is your second offense, driving on a suspended or revoked license is a Class 4 felony punishable by imprisonment, feels, and an extended suspension or revocation period.

All DUI charges are serious, and a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs can lead to the revocation of your driver’s license, the requirement to use an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, significant fines and legal fees, and even a prison sentence. However, you may face even more serious charges if you are accused of committing aggravated DUI, which is a felony offense.

Aggravating Factors in DUI Cases

In most cases, a first-time DUI or a second DUI will be charged as a misdemeanor. A third or subsequent DUI will be charged as a felony. A conviction will result in a 10-year driver’s license revocation for a third offense and a lifetime revocation for any subsequent offenses.

Felony DUI charges will also apply in cases involving aggravating factors such as:

If you have been convicted of a DUI in Illinois, one of your top concerns will be when you will be able to drive again. Illinois, along with a majority of states, allows drivers convicted of DUI to drive if they install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). 

This is a popular program. On average in Illinois, 12,000 drivers are using BAIIDs. Consider four facts about this device, and how to get one.

1. A BAIID is subject to three types of fees.

Each vendor charges its own fees, but on average a BAIID vendor charges $85 for installation. There is also a monthly rental for the device, which is usually about $80. Finally, the Illinois Secretary of State charges $30 month for monitoring. If you have been declared indigent by the court, your costs could be lower.