Individuals who are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) typically have their driver licenses suspended for six months to one year, and revoked for six months or more upon conviction. In 2013, 50,377 drivers were arrested for DUI in Florida.
Laws in Florida and many other states require certain convicted drivers to have an ignition interlock device (IID). IIDs require drivers to perform an alcohol detection test in order to operate their motor vehicles. In Florida, only half of required offenders install court-ordered IIDs.
Research has found that ignition interlock devices are effective at reducing re-arrests for driving under the influence as long as they are installed. However, after the devices are removed recidivism rates increase. Our analysis found that requiring first-time DUI offenders to install an IID, as several states have done, may result in a reduction in recidivism. Two states have expanded IID use to allow offenders to drive during administrative suspension and earn credit against future sanctions through a day-for-day provision. Our analysis found DUI recidivism was lower for IID users when compared to drivers with an administratively suspended license; however, there are inherent differences between these two groups that limit comparability.