Imagine walking out to your car, ready to start your day, only to find it will not turn on. Not because of a mechanical issue, but because a court-ordered breathalyzer device cannot connect, update, or complete the required calibration.
That is what happened to drivers across the country after a cyberattack on Intoxalock. For many who experienced this frustrating situation, it raises an important legal question. If you are required to use an ignition interlock device and the system fails, can you be penalized? Here is what you want to know.
Compliance Could Be Out of Your Hands
After the attack, Intoxalock reported system outages that disrupted routine calibrations. For many drivers, they were locked out of their own vehicles through no fault of their own.
Reports stated that drivers in 45 states were unable to start their cars due to calibration issues. What does that mean for these individuals?
These ignition interlock devices are not optional for many drivers. They must be regularly calibrated and maintained. If a driver misses a required service appointment, the device can restrict or prevent the vehicle from starting.
Under normal circumstances, that responsibility falls on the driver. But in this case, a widespread system outage made compliance difficult or impossible for some individuals.
That creates a legal gray area. Drivers are expected to follow the rules, but what happens when the system itself breaks down?
Can You Be Penalized?
This depends on the situation, but risk does exist. In South Carolina and many other states, failing to comply with ignition interlock requirements can lead to serious consequences. These may include:
- Violations of probation
- Extension of interlock requirements
- Suspension of driving privileges
However, courts also recognize that not every violation is intentional.
If a driver can show that they made a good-faith effort to comply and were prevented from doing so due to circumstances beyond their control, that can make a difference.
However, the key is proving it.
Documentation Is Always Important
If you are affected by a situation like this, documentation becomes essential. You should keep records of:
- Attempts to schedule or complete calibration
- Communications with the device provider
- Notices about outages or service disruptions
This type of evidence can show that you were not ignoring your obligations. Instead, you were trying to comply but were unable to do so.
Without that proof, a missed calibration could look like noncompliance, even if it was not your fault.
Technology Is Not Always Reliable
There is an assumption that court-ordered technology is dependable. In most cases, it is. But as this cyberattack shows, even the most trusted systems can fail.
That puts drivers in a difficult position. They are required to rely on a device to meet legal obligations, but they have no control over the company’s systems, outages, or security issues.
When something goes wrong, the burden falls on the driver to explain and resolve the situation.
You Need Help from a DUI Defense Lawyer
When something unexpected happens, like a device failure or service disruption, the legal consequences can escalate if the issue is not handled properly. An experienced DUI defense attorney can help:
- Communicate with the court or supervising authority
- Present documentation showing the issue was outside your control
- Work to prevent penalties tied to technical or unavoidable violations
For many drivers, this cyberattack affected their ability to get to work, take care of family responsibilities, and meet court-ordered obligations.
It also highlighted a larger issue. When legal compliance depends on technology, even a temporary disruption can have serious consequences.
Don’t Let a Technical Issue Become a Legal Problem
The cyberattack affecting Intoxalock showed that systems designed to enforce compliance are not immune to failure.
If you are required to use an ignition interlock device, do not assume the system will sort it out on its own. You need to act right away. At Truslow & Truslow PA, we can help protect you from turning a technical problem into a legal one. Schedule a consultation today.