OLYMPIA, Wash – Fewer than half of all Washington drivers court ordered to use an ignition interlock system in their car are actually following the court’s instructions.
A legislative audit found that 41 percent of drivers ordered to use the devices actually do so.
Judges can order people convicted of driving under the influence to install the deves in their car. Drivers have to blow into the device to make sure they’re not under the influence.
Drivers could avoid the requirement if they simply choose not to drive, but those who want to continue driving need to have the device installed and prove that to the Department of Licensing for the driver’s license to remain valid.
The audit found that cost of installation could be a significant barrier.
According to the report, it costs about $2,700 a year to have the device.
Among the lowest earners, those making under $10,000 per year, only 30 percent install the device, compared to 74 percent among people making more than $100,000 per year.
The auditor recommends the state do more to track compliance and also that the Department of Licensing work with Washington State Patrol on a strategy to increase the number of people following the court’s rules.
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