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Can others drive your ignition interlock-equipped vehicle?

On Behalf of | Mar 15, 2022 | Criminal Law |

Oklahoma has some of the country’s strictest drunk driving laws. Having a blood alcohol concentration over the state’s 0.08% legal limit may land you in jail. You may also lose your driving privileges for violating Oklahoma’s DUI prohibitions.

In the Sooner State, a judge may require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. To start your vehicle, you must breathe into a mechanical device. If you have alcohol in your system, the ignition interlock device refuses to allow your vehicle’s engine to start. It also sends a report to monitoring officials.

You and the vehicles you drive

According to the Oklahoma Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, your ignition interlock obligation is likely to extend to every vehicle you drive. These may include your personal, work and recreational vehicles. Still, you may need permission from the vehicle’s owner to install an ignition interlock device.

Your friends and your vehicle

You can allow your friends and family members to drive your ignition interlock-equipped vehicle. Before you do so, though, you should keep a couple of things in mind.

First, your buddies must be able to provide an alcohol-free breath sample to start your car, truck or SUV. More importantly, they also must not try to start your vehicle after they have been drinking.

Because the ignition interlock device transmits information about failed attempts to start vehicles, you may be legally culpable for your friends’ actions. Ultimately, unless you trust your pals and relatives implicitly, it is probably a better idea to keep them away from your ignition interlock device.

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