Aside from the legal penalties, one of the biggest consequences of a DUI or other impaired driving-related conviction for most people is that they’re unable to drive legally for a time (potentially a long time) unless they can get a restricted driver’s license that allows them to drive with an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their vehicle.
An IID, as most people know, requires the driver to blow into it to prove that they haven’t been drinking for the vehicle to start. It also requires “rolling retests” where the driver must intermittently repeat the procedure while they’re driving. If you have a restricted license that requires an IID, you’ll need to have one installed in all your vehicles. But what if you also drive a company-owned vehicle for work?
What can you do?
First, you’ll need to notify your employer about your driving restriction. If they agree to allow you to drive one or more of their vehicles without an IID, they’ll need to complete and sign an Ignition Interlock Employment Exception Affidavit.
The affidavit requires employers to provide information about the employee’s job, where and when they will be driving the vehicle(s) and the vehicle information. It’s important to note that this affidavit can’t be used for a school vehicle or any vehicle that can transport at least 15 people.
Further, it can’t be used “if the employer-owned motor vehicle is owned by an entity which is wholly or partially owned or controlled by the person holding the ignition interlock license.” That requirement prevents business owners from getting out of their IID requirement by using their business vehicles.
Chances are, unless your employer is a relative (and likely even then), they won’t take a chance on someone convicted of DUI driving one of their vehicles. The financial risks are too great. They may agree to let you drive your own vehicle that has an IID installed. That situation may unfold depending on a number of factors, like whether they use their vehicles as advertising, whether customers are likely to see the IID and if others will be riding with you.
If you’re able to avoid a DUI conviction, you won’t need to worry about any of this. With experienced legal guidance, you have a better chance of getting any charges against you dropped or reduced. It is, therefore, worthwhile to learn more about your options.