Ohio Requires Ignition Interlock Devices Be Equipped with Cameras
In 2017, Ohio passed legislation to reform their drunk driving laws. Under Ohio law, if you’re caught drinking and driving, you can be charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, or OVI (Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated). The 2017 legislation, called Annie’s Law, specifically focused on making changes to Ohio’s look-back period for OVI convictions and incentivizing ignition interlock device use to give drivers more control of where and when they can drive while preventing recidivism.
Before Annie’s Law, Ohio drivers convicted of a first OVI received a license suspension for a minimum of six months and were limited in where and when they could drive. Since this legislation went into effect in 2017, first-time OVI offenders can petition for unlimited driving privileges if they install an IID with an approved vendor. Installing the device helps people regain control of their lives and helps keep Ohio’s roads safe, as ignition interlock devices are the most effective way to prevent drunk driving.
Another part of Annie’s Law begins January 1, 2020. It requires that all ignition interlock devices installed in Ohio must have a camera.
What does the camera do?
Some drivers believe the camera is there to spy on the their activity. However, the camera ensures the required person is providing the breath sample to start the car. The camera, which is attached to the windshield, takes a picture every time someone provides a breath sample, whether it’s to start the engine or keep it running during a retest. The camera also takes photos if someone attempts to tamper with or alter the device.
A camera is beneficial for someone who shares a vehicle. Let’s say the person you share a vehicle with provides a failed breath sample, which is recorded and reviewed by your state’s monitoring authority. In some states, failed breath samples can result in your ignition interlock device requirement being extended. The camera can help you prove it wasn’t you who provided that failing breath sample.
This part of Annie’s Law is a huge step forward to ensuring drivers comply with their ignition interlock requirement. At the time of publication, Ohio has had 20,680 OVI arrests in 2019, and had 25,244 in 2018.
Intoxalock Can Help
Intoxalock provides several ignition interlock device models, including the eLERT device that includes the Intoxalock camera and other advanced technology to meet high standards for states requiring this type of wehicle breathalyzer. Our devices feature one-touch activation via a single button, and we offer over 3,000 installation locations nationwide, making Intoxalock a top choice for convenience.
Read three reasons why Intoxalock is an industry-leading IID provider. For more information about an Intoxalock ignition interlock device, call our state specialists at 833-623-0200.
