Drunk Driving Laws in Texas: What You Should Know
Our staff at Falcon RV and Elite Car Care take road safety very seriously. As such, we’d be remiss if we didn’t have some information on our website about the dangers of drunk driving.
In Texas, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC above .08%. Most people know this. However, what you may not know is that Texas has implemented Administrative License Revocation, or ALR, which means that your driver’s license will be confiscated immediately if your BAC is above .08% OR if you refuse a BAC test.
Obviously, license revocations/suspensions can disrupt your life, so if you find yourself in trouble with the law for drunk driving, we recommend that you contact a good criminal lawyer near your area. Whether you are on the job, a college student, or in the military, working with a lawyer can help you get your driver’s license back as soon as possible.
The Texas Ignition Interlock Program
Texas passed a law on Sept 1, 2015 permitting people to opt for an interlock ignition device, or IID, rather than be sidelined for months while they wait out their DL suspension. If you choose not to use an IID, then you must wait until your suspension period is up. For those arrested for drunk driving with BAC levels .15%+, Texas courts require the installation of an IID – even for 1st time offenders.
Here’s a short video explaining what an IID is, and how it works.
Who Installs IIDs?
In Texas, you shouldn’t have any trouble locating a state certified installation technician to get your vehicle set up with an IID. You will be given the information of a state certified installation technician near you so you can contact them. There are several different IID brands: Smart Start, Alcolock, Guardian Interlock and Intoxalock to name a few. Your installation technician will follow very specific protocols mandated by the state and by the IID provider. Once the IID is installed, your technician will explain to you how to use the device.
During the lease of your IID, you will most likely have to return to the place where you had your IID installed so that it can be re-calibrated and tested. Feel free to ask your service technician any questions regarding your IID. Do not attempt to bypass your IID.
While we hope you never need to have an IID installed on your vehicle, should the need ever arise, feel free reach out to us, and we would be happy to help you locate a qualified IID installation technician near you. If you have any additional auto service or repair needs, visit our services page to find out how we can help you.