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There has been huge speculation about new artificial intelligence systems and their ability to return curated information from prior requests and unlimited internet resources. So I asked a popular AI Bot (ChatGPT) a technical question about the PA Ignition Interlock system, and this was the reply;

Photo by @rozetsky

An ignition interlock limited license (IILL) is a type of restricted driver’s license that is available to individuals in Pennsylvania who have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked due to certain alcohol-related offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI). The purpose of the IILL is to allow individuals to continue driving while they are working to regain their full driving privileges, provided that they meet certain conditions and adhere to certain restrictions.

To be eligible for an IILL in Pennsylvania, an individual must have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked due to an alcohol-related offense, and they must have completed all required treatment and education programs. In addition, they must have installed an approved ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle, which is a device that measures the alcohol content in an individual’s breath and prevents the vehicle from starting if the alcohol level is above a predetermined limit.

While driving on an IILL, individuals are required to adhere to certain restrictions, such as only driving for work, school, or other approved activities. They are also required to submit to periodic breath tests while driving and to refrain from consuming alcohol while operating a vehicle. Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in the IILL being revoked and the individual’s driving privileges being further suspended or revoked.

Overall, the IILL is an important tool for individuals in Pennsylvania who have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked due to alcohol-related offenses, as it allows them to continue driving while they work to regain their full driving privileges. It also serves as a deterrent against future alcohol-related offenses by requiring individuals to abstain from consuming alcohol while driving and by ensuring that they remain sober while operating a vehicle.

It sure got close to a correct reply. There are too many partially correct statements, a bit of misinformation, and missing facts to be of any real use….yet! I do believe that, given time, these AIs can get better and, with enough good input, may prove beneficial in more nuanced and technical topics.

What did it get WRONG about the Ignition Interlock Limited License in PA?

It mentions alcohol-related violations as the only form of eligibility. In fact, any DUI may be eligible. This includes DUIs based on controlled substances or other drugs….even prescription medication or medical conditions can result in a violation. Many drug-related DUIs can qualify for the IILL if all other factors are met.

In the AI’s reply, it mentions allowing to drive for work, school, or other approved activities. In fact, there are no restrictions on WHY or WHEN you can drive with the IILL as long as you meet the interlock requirements and follow the alcohol test requirements of the program.

The need for an application to PennDOT was never mentioned as a requirement. Before you can drive again, even with the interlock system installed, you MUST have submitted the application to PennDOT, and you MUST have the new restricted license returned to you.

The reply stated you must have completed all required treatment and education programs – this is not correct. You can still be in the progress of completing the required treatments, supervision, and safety programs that the court may have required as part of the ACT 122 Court Ordered Treatment programs. The application for this limited license has no requirement that all be completed, and this is a very important program to assist you in getting those other requirements met.

Also, no mention of the timing for eligibility for the IILL. You must serve a portion of your suspension in most cases that could be from 1/2 of the DUI suspension or 4 of the five years for DUI-based revocation.

What did this AI get CORRECT about the Pennsylvania IILL?

…they must have installed an approved ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle, which is a device that measures the alcohol content in an individual’s breath and prevents the vehicle from starting if the alcohol level is above a predetermined limit. This fact can be confusing for some….you have to have the interlock device installed BEFORE you apply for the IILL with PennDOT.

…While driving on an IILL, individuals are required to adhere to certain restrictions, such as only driving for work, school, or other approved activities. They are also required to submit to periodic breath tests while driving and to refrain from consuming alcohol while operating a vehicle. Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in the IILL being revoked and the individual’s driving privileges being further suspended or revoked. With the exception of the strikethrough portion above, this is important. Violations of the IILL program can result in additional suspension and/or removal or extension of the program.

Don’t trust your license to an AI. I’m here to help navigate these issues and ensure you’re getting every advantage to recover from past mistakes. License Restoration Services has exclusively focused on these programs and driver’s issues for over 22 years, and as of today…we’re better than these artificial intelligence programs. But don’t take my word for it – check out what our clients are saying about us here – https://www.licenserestoration.com/reviews

Remember – the AI and mostly I agree on this one important fact;

Overall, the IILL is an important tool for individuals in Pennsylvania who have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked due to alcohol-related offenses, as it allows them to continue driving while they work to regain their full driving privileges. It also serves as a deterrent against future alcohol-related offenses.

Drive safe! – Vince

PA Suspended Drivers - Suspension Snowball