If you get arrested for drunk driving, you could face penalties for DUI. These penalties can be severe and can include the requirement to spend time in jail, perform community service, and pay a significant fine.
Another one of these penalties is the requirement to use an ignition interlock device in your car after a DUI conviction. However, there are two exemptions that allow you to drive a vehicle without one of these devices following a drunk driving conviction.
1. Employee exemption
If you use a company vehicle to do your job every day, you may be able to continue to drive one of these vehicles without an ignition interlock device, depending on the specific circumstances. Before this can happen, according to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you must let your employer know about your requirement to use an ignition interlock.
2. Financial hardship exemption
If you own and drive several vehicles, you must install an ignition interlock device on all of them. However, you can apply for a financial hardship exemption, so you only need to pay for and have an ignition interlock device installed on one of your cars.
You must use an ignition interlock device for the duration of your sentence. Otherwise, there are consequences. For instance, if you tamper with your ignition interlock device in your car or drive a vehicle without an ignition interlock device, you will have to use the device for an additional 12-month period from the date of your initial DUI conviction.
