Ignition Interlock Device

Get familiar with ignition interlock device laws in Utah.

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In Utah, one consequence of a DUI conviction is navigating ignition interlock device laws in Utah and learning how to use them properly. Learn what they are and how they work.

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device, also known as a car breathalyzer, is meant to prevent users from driving under the influence of alcohol. These small, handheld devices connect your breathalyzer results to your car ignition and consist of a handheld unit, a mouthpiece, a relay cord and a camera unit. They are easy to use and are required for those with DUI charges in Utah.

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Branson West is an experienced DUI ignition interlock defense attorney in SLC, Utah that has won thousands of cases.

Recent Case Results


Leaving the scene of an accident
Case Dismissed!

Client was accused of leaving the scene of an accident in Riverton, case dismissed.
SLC DUI
Dismissed!

Client's 2nd offense. Argued suppression motion, case dismissed.
Davis County Assault
Dismissed

Client charged with assault in Davis County. Cased was dismissed.
West Jordan Burglary
Burglary Case Dismissed

Client accused of breaking into vehicle, stealing items, then fleeing the scene.
Draper DUI
Dismissed

Client charged with DUI. Case Dismissed.
Draper DUI
Reduced

DUI charge dropped to reckless
Provo DUI
DUI Dismissed

Client was stopped at DUI check point, failed FSTs, blew below the legal limit, but had other substances in his system.
Draper DUI
DUI Dismissed

Client found in car, passed out, alleged drugs in system.
Domestic Violence, Midvale
Case Dismissed

Domestic Violence case in Midvale, case DISMISSED.
Domestic Violence and Burglary, Salt Lake 3rd District
Case Dismissed

DV and Burglary case dismissed in Salt Lake 3rd District
DUI - South Jordan
Dismissed

Accused of DUI with prescription drugs with an accident in South Jordan, case dismissed.
Dog Attack, Salt Lake County
Case Dismissed

Dog attack case in Salt Lake County
Domestic Violence, Sandy
Case Dismissed

DV in Sandy, client accused of fighting with girlfriend, case dismissed.
Domestic Violence, Salt Lake County
Case Dismissed

DV in Salt Lake County, client accused of attacking her daughters boyfriend, case dismissed.
DUI, West Jordan
THC DUI Dismissed

Kira Eoff, West Jordan, THC DUI dismissed
DUI - West Jordan
Dismissed

DUI in West Jordan, pulled over for swerving, dismissed.
DUI - Provo
Dismissed

DUI dismissed in Provo, bad driving pattern, thought it was drugs, failed FSTs, and DRE exam.
DUI - Holladay
Jury Verdict of Not Guilty

DUI charge, client had actual physical control with a high BAC, verdict not guilty.
Theft - Layton, UT
Case Dismissed

Target employee charged with theft in Layton, case dismissed.
Murray, UT - DUI.
Case Dismissed!

Stopped for speeding, failed FSTs.
West Jordan, Ignition Interlock Violation
Case Dismissed!

Client accused of driving with an ignition interlock device.
Herriman, DUI
Case Dismissed!

Client accused of DUI, had a blood draw result of .08, got a second opinion that showed .075.
West Valley City, Domestic Violence Assault
Case Dismissed!

Client was accused of assaulting her husband.
Murray, UT - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Case Dismissed!

Cops found items in the car, claimed there was a drug deal.
Lehi, Child Abuse
Case Dismissed

Client was accused of hitting son.
West Jordan, Seven 2nd Degree Felony Counts of Check Fraud
Case Dismissed!

Client was accused of fraudulently writing checks on accounts that were closed.
Provo, UT - DUI
Case Dismissed!

Client drinks at party, comes back and falls asleep in car, fails FSTs, arrested for DUI.
Murray, UT - Retail Theft
Case Dismissed

Client was in Costco, put item in purse, security claimed she was stealing property.
SLC, UT - Domestic Violence Assualt
Case Dismissed

Client was in a fight with boyfriend, charged with Domestic Violence (DV).
Holladay, UT - DUI
Case Dismissed!

Ran from a DUI checkpoint. Failed FSTs.
Salt Lake City - Felony Child Non-Support
Case Dismissed

Client owed over $55,000 in child support arrears.
Theft - Provo Justice Court
Case Dismissed

Client was buying bikes off KSL and ended up with stolen bikes.
Theft - Taylorsville Justice Court
Case Dismissed

Client was accused of stealing supplies from a salon.
Aggravated Assault Charge - Salt Lake 3rd District Court
Case Dismissed

Client was accused of pulling a gun on his girlfriend and threatening to kill her.
Provo, UT - Theft
Case Dismissed!

Client was buying bikes off KSL and ended up with stolen bikes.
American Fork, UT - DUI
Case Dismissed

Client was stopped for a registration issue, failed the field sobriety tests and blew in the intoxilyzer twice.
Alcohol Restricted Driver and Driving on a Suspended License - Sandy Justice Court
Case Dismissed

Client was accused of driving on a restricted and suspended license.
DUI - Salt Lake County
Jury Verdict of NOT GUILTY

Client failed field sobriety tests, had a poor driving pattern, & refused breath test.
DUI - Clearfield, UT
Case DISMISSED!

Client was driving a big rig, and we were able to save his job.
Possession of Drugs - Utah County
Case DISMISSED!

Client was stopped and improperly searched.
Assaulting an officer, resisting arrest - Salt Lake City, UT
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was investigating friend being restrained by cops and cops attacked him.
DUI, Lehi
DUI dismissed

Client was charged wrongfully. Restored his license, got the charges dismissed!
DUI, Midvale
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client blew a .80.
DUI, Midvale
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client claimed he was not the driver, even though cops thought he was.
DUI, Draper
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was driving the wrong way on a one-way road, failed FSTs.
DUI, St. George
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was asleep in his car, with stereo on. Cops came and called it
Aggravated assault, Salt Lake 3rd District.
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was accused of pulling a knife on a man in a Wal-mart parking lot.
Retail Theft, Orem
Plea in Abeyance

Client had stolen items from a local retailer, had admitted everything to police and was able to keep her record clean.
Under age consumption, Davis 2nd District
Plea in Abeyance.

Clients were at a party when all were caught drinking. Were able to keep records clean.
DUI, Vernal
Case DISMISSED!

Client was stopped for license plate light being out and for having it improperly displayed. Had a BAC of .17.
Possession of Drugs, Salt Lake City
Case DISMISSED!

Client was at a pizza place, eating in the parking lot when cops arrived, suspicious of their activity.
Domestic Violence, Taylorsville
Plea in Abeyance

Client called the police when upset, didn't mean to get cops involved, but we were able to save his record.
Domestic Violence, Lehi
Plea in Abeyance to disorderly conduct as an infraction

Client was going through a divorce, his spouse would not allow him to see their child or leave. Cops blamed him.
Stalking, Park City
Plea in Abeyance

Charges reduced, and offered in abeyance, so client's record would stay clean. She was accused of stalking a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, was a teacher, and was able to keep her record clean.
Aggravated Assault, Davis 2nd District
Charges reduced to disorderly conduct as an infraction, no jail time, minimal fine

Client was seen entering Wal-mart with a gun after making apparently threatening phone calls to his former manager.
Retail theft, Salt Lake
Plea in Abeyance.

Client was a college student, accidentally walked out of the store without paying for a cup of soup, but had paid for everything else. Was able to keep her record clean.
DUI, West Valley
Jury Verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was a former ski patroller and hopeful to get on with an ambulance crew. He was accused of driving off the road with prescription medication in his system. He suffered from strokes.
Traffic violation, Spanish Fork
Verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was a truck driver and had been in an accident. The judge found him not guilty as charged.
Theft of services, Salt Lake 3rd
Case DISMISSED!

Client was accused of stealing services from a shop. Were able to prove that her signature had been forged.
DUI, South Salt Lake
Jury verdict of NOT GUILTY!

Client was accused of driving with alcohol in her system on a second offense, then subsequently refusing the breath test.
DUI, Salt Lake Airport
Case DISMISSED!

Client was accused of driving through the airport while DUI, was arrested prior to field sobriety tests being administered.

Branson West is an experienced DUI lawyer who can help you navigate the ignition interlock device laws Utah has.

How to Use an Ignition Interlock Device


Each device is a bit different, and any device should come equipped with instructions for use. Follow the instructions carefully for the most accurate reading. Every device will essentially require users to blow into the handheld unit.

Some ignition interlock devices use the blow-inhale-blow method. This is the most accurate as well as the most user-friendly. In this method, users must blow into the mouthpiece, then inhale without removing their mouth from the mouthpiece, then blow into the mouthpiece again. Accuracy is crucial, especially for those who need to use this device to comply with ignition interlock device laws, so choosing the right type of breathalyzer that will not produce false positives is crucial.

Other ignition interlock devices utilize the straight blow method, in which the user must blow into the mouthpiece with extreme force. Another type of test uses the blow and hum method. Both of these types of tests are difficult for users to consistently complete, which can disrupt the accuracy of the results and leave a user locked out unnecessarily.

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The Cost of DUI in Utah
with Branson K. West

KUTV 2 News Interview with top Utah DUI and Criminal Defense attorney Branson K. West.

"I learned a lot by talking to this attorney."

Brian Mullahy of KUTV

Ignition Interlock Device Laws in Utah

It’s important to thoroughly understand Utah’s ignition interlock device laws if you are facing a DUI charge. Working with a lawyer like Branson West Law who is well-versed in Utah DUI defense can help you properly prepare for your court date.

After a DUI arrest in Utah, your driver’s license will be at risk for suspension. You will then have ten days to schedule a hearing with your local DMV for a chance to retain your driving rights. This process is separate from your official court date for your DUI charge but is a crucial step in protecting your right to drive. If you contact the court but do not contact the driver’s license division within 10 calendar days you will lose your license automatically.

One reason to have an ignition interlock device installed in Utah is if you miss your window for scheduling a DMV hearing. If this occurs, your license will be suspended automatically on the 45th day after your DUI arrest. This suspension usually lasts four months, but in some cases an interlock device can be used rather than losing your license.

Separate from the DMV case is the judicial case. Once you attend court for your DUI charges, the judge will assign the penalties. In some cases, these penalties include the required use of an ignition interlock device.

DUI charges are serious - contact Branson West Law for help navigating it.

Cases may vary and the best way to prepare is by working with an experienced lawyer such as Branson West Law. In most cases, if the DUI is a first offense and the driver is older than 21 years old, the ignition interlock device laws will require use of the device for 18 months. If the driver is younger than 21, this time period extends to three years.

However, if this is not your first DUI offense, if you refused a chemical test, if you face charges related to an existing ignition interlock device, or if certain circumstances or offenses surround your arrest, you will need to use the ignition interlock device for the next three years. For felony DUIs, ignition interlock device law requires six years of device use, and 10 years for automobile homicide.

Branson West Law is a top law firm in South Jordan, Utah with experienced DUI and criminal defense attorneys.

You Have Deadlines Approaching in Your DUI Case!

When you were charged with a DUI you may not have been told that you have two major deadlines which are rapidly approaching after you are arrested for driving under the influence. If you ignore them, the consequences could be devastating.


The 10 day deadline

If you don't request a driver's license hearing in the first 10 calendar days, you will lose your license, regardless of how good your case might be. And there's nothing an attorney can do about it after the fact.

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The 5-14 day deadline

The second deadline is to contact the court no less than 5, nor more than 14 days. If you miss this deadline, the court WILL issue a warrant for your arrest and officer may be sent to your home or place of employment to arrest you.

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Finding a Qualified Defense Lawyer


To ensure the best chance of protecting your right to drive, working with an experienced and dedicated DUI lawyer is crucial. The right lawyer can walk you through each detail of ignition interlock device law and help you best prepare for your hearing. Even if you have no history of DUI charges, your first DUI in Utah can end up costing you as much as $10,000 in fines.

With various important deadlines and extremely high stakes, you need a compassionate and knowledgeable lawyer. Branson West Law has handled thousands of DUI cases in Utah and knows the best strategies for protecting your rights. If you’re facing DUI charges, schedule your free consultation today.

Branson K West is experienced with the following areas of driving under the influence cases: