What Is a BAIID Device?

 Posted on December 26, 2018 in DUI

With 27,000 DUI arrests and 330 alcohol-related crash deaths in Illinois in 2017, you can understand why law enforcement and the courts take drunk driving offenses so seriously. Still, the State of Illinois also knows people can make one bad decision that should not necessarily devastate their life.

With that in mind, the state has options available for first-time offenders and other individuals who qualify so they can still earn a living and largely maintain their previous daily routine. One option is a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID), which around 12,000 Illinois residents have in their car at any given time.

BAIID Devices in Illinois

A BAIID is a breathalyzer device that tests a driver’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) and captures an image of the driver behind the wheel. If the driver registers a BAC of anywhere from .000 to .024, the vehicle’s ignition will function as desired. Anything .025 and above, it will not start. In addition to a test to initially start the vehicle, other tests are required at random intervals during each trip.

To be eligible for a BAIID, an individual cited for DUI must first apply for a monitoring device driving permit (MDDP). If granted, the BAIID is then installed in their vehicle for the duration of their court-supervised driver’s license suspension.

Information from the BAIID is downloaded every 60 days by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. If it detects a violation, a letter is issued to demand an explanation. If there is no response or the reasons given are insufficient, additional suspension time could be added or the MDDP and BAIID permits may be revoked.

BAIID Device Cost

DUI offenders are responsible for costs related to the installation and operation of the BAIID. This includes:

• $85 for initial installation;
• $80 per month for BAIID rental; and
• $30 per month for BAIID monitoring free.

For an individual allowed to utilize a BAIID for a six-month suspension, the total cost would be $745. While that is not a small amount, many consider it a bargain when compared to completely losing their driving privileges.

Contact a Wheaton, IL DUI Lawyer

You do not want to handle a DUI case on your own. With the right legal representation, as a first-time DUI offender, you could avoid full license suspension and be able to drive as needed with a BAIID. To learn how Davi Law Group can help, call a skilled DuPage County DUI attorney at 630-580-6373 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/BAIID/baiid.html