What is a Monitoring Device Driving Permit, and Should I Get One?

 Posted on February 20, 2023 in DUI

In Illinois, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests are used to determine if someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). If a driver takes a breath alcohol test and the results show 0.08 percent BAC or higher, he or she is considered too intoxicated to drive. This is regarded as a “failed” test. Blood tests may also be used to determine a person’s BAC. If an individual fails or refuses to take a breath alcohol test or blood alcohol test, his or her driver’s license is suspended.

If your license is currently suspended because you refused or failed a BAC test, you may benefit from a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). An MDDP will allow you to regain your driving privileges and get you back on the road legally.

Who Can Get an MDDP?

A Monitoring Device Driving Permit is available to first-time DUI offenders in Illinois. You must have no prior DUI charges within the last five years to qualify. You must also hold a valid driver's license at the time of your DUI arrest, and your DUI must not involve an accident resulting in injury or death. You also must be at least 18 years old to get an MDDP.

What Are the Benefits of an MDDP?

Once your driver’s license is suspended, you are not allowed to drive. If police catch you driving any motor vehicle during the suspension period, you will be arrested and likely charged with driving on a suspended license. This is a criminal offense. So, instead of dealing with just a DUI, you are now dealing with a DUI and an additional criminal offense.

An MDDP gives you permission to drive so you will not risk additional criminal charges. An MDDP is a useful option for individuals who have to drive to get to work, transport their children, or for other reasons and cannot wait until the license suspension is over to drive.

How Can I Receive an MDDP?

To obtain an MDDP and get back on the road legally after a DUI, you must apply for the permit and then get a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed in your vehicle. This device is connected to your car’s ignition and requires you to give a breath sample to turn your car on. It works similarly to a breathalyzer test. If you blow into the device and the device does not detect alcohol, your car starts up normally. However, if the test detects alcohol on your breath, the car does not start.

Contact our Wheaton DUI Lawyer

If you were arrested for drunk driving, contact our DuPage County DUI lawyers for legal support. We can help you defend yourself against the DUI charges. We can also help you get an MDDP so you do not risk further criminal charges for driving on a suspended license. Call 630-580-6373 for a free initial case assessment.

Source:

https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/BAIID/mddp.html