If the Florida courts find you guilty of DUI, it is likely that you will need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. However, if you work at a job that requires you to drive company vehicles, you may wonder if this requirement will cause you to lose your livelihood.
The answer to this is “not necessarily,” since Florida does have an IID work exemption rule. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the driver must hold a valid license with a “P” restriction and have written permission from his or her employer in order to be eligible for the IID work exemption.
Why must I tell my employer?
You must inform your employer of your drunk driving conviction because the employer must be willing to take legal responsibility for keeping you sober during your hours of work. Essentially, your supervisor must “sign off” on you operating a company vehicle without an IID during work hours.
While it is understandably uncomfortable to have this conversation with your employer, it is likely that the employer will find out about your DUI conviction either way. Being honest with your employer is the best way to ensure that you keep your job and can move forward after your DUI.
What do I need to drive the company vehicle?
In the event that your employer is willing to allow you to keep working, you will need to keep a letter from them stating so in the vehicle while you are operating it. This is so that in the event the police stop you for a traffic violation, you can show them the letter giving you permission to operate the vehicle without an IID.
