You can be pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) while operating a motorcycle in California. In this situation, you will face the same charges as a driver operating a car, truck, van, or other enclosed vehicle. This means you could be ordered to:
- Pay court fines
- Spend time in jail
- Install an ignition interlock device (IID)
However, you may be wondering if an IID can even be installed on a motorcycle. Find out if IIDs work with motorcycles and review California’s laws on IIDs usage with motorcycles right here. You can also contact us to review your legal options following a motorcycle DUI arrest with the Simmrin Law Group.
Basic Facts About IID Installation and Motorcycles
Technically, some IIDs can be installed on a motorcycle. IIDs may be installed on any vehicle with an adequate power system, after all. However, this short answer does not address the difficulties inherent in installing current IID models on a motorcycle.
Current IID models do not perform well on motorcycles. For this reason, very few IIDs are installed on motorcycles. In fact, research indicates that less than 1% of all IIDs currently in use are connected to a motorcycle around the country.
Challenges Associated with IIDs and Motorcycles
Motorcycles and current IIDs don’t work well together for a number of reasons. IIDs are designed to function in an enclosed environment. These devices can easily suffer damage if they are:
- Exposed to weather, moisture, and dust
- Jostled and vibrated constantly
- Left with no proper storage space
IIDs may also draw too much power from a motorcycle’s smaller battery. Finally, the state of California requires drivers to perform “rolling” tests as they drive their vehicles. This kind of test would be very hazardous for motorcycle drivers.
Therefore, many IID installation companies will not place IIDs on motorcycles.
California’s Laws on IIDs and Motorcycles
In addition to the physical challenges associated with installing an IID on a motorcycle, we need to consider legal regulations on this practice. As of the year 2017, California specifically prohibited the use of an IID on a motorcycle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the state found that current IIDs were inadequate for motorcycle usage. No currently available IIDs were considered suitable for a motorcycle environment per state regulations.
Therefore, even if you found a company to install an IID on your motorcycle, a motorcycle interlock would not be valid in California.
Regulations on IID Usage Following DUI Convictions
Most drivers convicted of a DUI in California will be ordered to install an IID on their vehicle. Drivers are not allowed to operate a vehicle without an IID in this situation. This means that you will not be able to drive your motorcycle while required to use an IID.
You can face serious legal consequences if you drive a vehicle without an IID in violation of a court order. In fact, you could be charged with driving on a suspended license in this situation, leading to:
- Fines
- Jail time
The court could also restart the amount of time you have to use an IID. In some situations, your license could be revoked completely. Make sure that you take any charges for driving on a suspended license seriously by reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles right away. You can easily contact Simmrin Law Group.
DUIs and Motorcycles Around the Country
IIDs are generally not installed on motorcycles. For many individuals, this is a source of concern, as many motorcycle accidents involve drunk driving. In fact, in 2016 almost a quarter of fatal motorcycle accidents involved motorcyclists with elevated blood alcohol content (BAC) levels.
For this reason, organizations like the NHTSA are focused on designs for motorcycle-specific IIDs. If these devices are developed, it will make it easier for motorcycle drivers to install an IID on their vehicles. Legal codes in California regarding the installation of IIDs on motorcycles may change in the future as IID technology advances.
Get Help Understanding IID Installation on Motorcycles
In some situations, an IID can be installed on a motorcycle. However, this process is generally not recommended and it is prohibited by the state of California. This can cause serious problems for you if you are accused of driving under the influence while riding a motorcycle.
Take steps to protect your driving privileges by contacting a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as you are arrested. Reach out to the Simmrin Law Group now to get a FREE case evaluation. Contact Simmrin Law Group or fill out our online contact form to speak to legal professionals now.