MDDP Program in Illinois Could Put You Back Behind the Wheel

 Posted on December 12, 2017 in DUI

Being charged with the crime of driving under the influence (DUI) can have devastating effects on a person’s life. Fortunately, there is a program available for first-time DUI offenders in Illinois that can help them get back on the road, even if their driving privileges have been suspended.

A monitoring device driving permit (MDDP) allows drivers to drive after they install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) on their vehicle. In order to participate in the monitoring device driving permit program, you must meet the MDDP eligibility requirements. To qualify, a driver must:

• Be a legal adult (18-years-old or older);
• Be a first-time offender;
• Have a valid driver’s license;
• Have not had any previous statutory summary suspensions;
• Have not been previously convicted of DUI or assigned court supervision for a DUI in Illinois and
• Have not been convicted of a DUI in another state within five years.

You will not qualify for an MDDP if a person was seriously injured or killed as a result of the DUI or if you have previously been convicted of reckless homicide or aggravated DUI that resulted in a death. If you currently have a commercial driver’s license, you will probably not be allowed to operate a commercial vehicle immediately after the DUI, but you may be eligible for an MDDP for driving a non-commercial vehicle. If you are convicted of a crime during the suspension period after a DUI, you may have your MDPP revoked. If this occurs, you must re-apply and get approved for a Restricted Drivers Permit (RDP) in order to resume driving legally.

Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID)

First-time DUI offenders in Illinois are required to install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device, or BAIID, on their vehicles. This common device is installed on an estimated 12,000 individuals’ vehicles in Illinois at any given time. A BAIID is able to read a driver's blood-alcohol content (BAC) before allowing the vehicle to be started.

In order to start the car, the driver must blow into the device. It then prevents the driver from starting the car if the breath sample registers a BAC of .025 or more. If the drivers blood alcohol level is lower than 0.25, the car will start normally. The diver may be required to breathe into the device throughout the trip as well. As a precautionary measure against misuse, most breath alcohol ignition interlock devices capture a picture of the driver as they perform their breath test. Attempting to fool a BAIID or tampering with the device could result in disqualification from any driving relief programs.

Call Us for Help

If you or a member of your family has been charged with a DUI, you need a legal professional who will help you explore your options and fight to protect your rights. Contact an experienced Arlington Heights DUI defense attorney to discuss your case today. Call Cosley Law Office at 847-253-3100 for a free consultation.

Sources:

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

https://www.lifesafer.com/illinois/ignition-interlock-baiid-checklist1-illinois/