DMV just announced it will be requiring a camera to be installed with all Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) starting June 1, 2015. An IID locks out your ignition if you blow into it with alcohol on your breath. A person must blow into the device to start the car and again periodically while driving. IID installation is a requirement for all DUI diversions and convictions, regardless of whether alcohol related or not. This will certainly increase cost of the devices, which are currently about $70 per month, and may create some “big brother” type privacy concerns. What do people think about a camera being part of the IID requirement? More info below:
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS
IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE STANDARDS
You are being sent this email as you are one of the people who provided comment on DMV’s rulemaking regarding ignition interlock devices or you were part of the rule advisory committee. First let me thank you for your input. The comments that we received helped greatly in DMV determining to require cameras with all newly installed ignition devices as of June 1, 2015.
During the public comment period, DMV received 15 comments on the proposed amendments to OAR Chapter 735, Division. Those were received from a variety of stakeholders. Overwhelmingly the comments favored the addition of a camera to the ignition interlock device. Comments from district attorneys, judges and evaluation specialists all pointed out that currently there is a problem with drivers on diversion who have failed test(s) and the lack of actual proof of who blew into the device at the time of the failure.
The comments also supported the requirements that all newly installed devices on or after January 1, 2015 must be based on electro-chemical fuel sensor technology and must meet or exceed the standards established by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, effective May 8, 2014.
The Oregon Transportation Safety Committee, besides supporting cameras, also favored both an interior alert and an alert of flashing hazard lights if a driver failed a retest. The rules do require an interior alert, but DMV decided against requiring flashing hazard lights. The decision was based on a concern that flashing hazard lights could confuse and distract other drivers, thus causing possible safety issues. This decision is supported by NHTSA that wrote in its 2010 notice of proposed device standards that it does not believe that audible sounds or lights to alert the public to interlock violations are necessary. Further NHTSA expressed concern that certain types of alerts may serve as a distraction to other drivers.
We received one comment pointing out the benefits of GPS on the device and real-time reporting of failures. As Oregon law does not currently authorize true monitoring of a driver required to install an ignition interlock device, DMV does not find such technology beneficial at this time.
What Is Next?
The rules will go to the Oregon Transportation Commission for approval at their August meeting. Once approved, the rules will be filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.
In late August, DMV will notify all ignition interlock providers in Oregon of the new rules and explain the process each must follow to have a device certified for use in Oregon on or after January 1, 2015. For a device to be certified under the new rules DMV must receive documentation from an ISO Certified Laboratory that the device meets current NHTSA standards.