Ignition Interlock Devices

What Is An Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a device slightly larger than a cell phone that is wired to your vehicle's ignition. The device can be installed in a vehicle while you wait and after installation, it requires your breath sample before the engine will start. If the IID detects alcohol on your breath, the engine will not start. As you drive, you are periodically required to provide breath samples to ensure the continued absence of alcohol in your system.

Can IIDs Prevent Drunk Driving?

Yes. The International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety maintains that IIDs, when combined with a comprehensive monitoring and service program, lead to a 40-95% reduction in the rate of repeat drunk driving offenses among offenders as long as the IID remains on the vehicle.

Court-Ordered IID

When the court orders use of an IID, you must have one installed by an authorized installer and provide proof of the installation to the court.
The court has special forms and procedures to monitor drivers ordered to have the device installed. After the court notifies the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), DMV marks your record so law enforcement officers will be aware of the IID requirement if you are stopped. DMV will also place a restriction on your driver license.

NOTE: If your last drunk driving violation occurred before July 1, 1999, you should contact the court about any IID requirement on your driver record.

Shortened License Suspension/Revocation

If you have completed at least half of your drunk driving suspension/revocation and your last drunk driving violation occurred July 1, 1999, or later, you may qualify for a restricted license if you meet these requirements:

• Install an IID on your vehicle and provide DMV with a "Verification of Installation" form (DL 920).
• Clear all other outstanding suspensions/revocations on your driving record.
• Comply with a drinking driver program's requirements and have the program provider submit either a Proof of Enrollment form (DL 107) or Notice of Completion form (DL 101) to DMV (whichever applies to your case).
• Submit an SR 22 form establishing proof of financial responsibility issued by your auto insurance company to DMV.
• Pay all required fees, including the $15 IID restriction fee.

  NOTE: Call DMV at (916) 657-6525 for eligibility or an IID provider.

All required forms and fees may be submitted to any local Department of Motor Vehicles office or mailed to: DMV, Mail Station J233, P.O. Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001.

IID Providers

You may have a DMV-certified IID installed by calling the toll-free number of one of the companies listed. Ask about the prices and the availability of service in your area.

Guardian Interlock Systems
(800) 499-0994

Autosense International
(800) 325-2656

LifeSafer Interlock Systems
(800) 210-8087

Consumers Safety Technology
(877) 777-5020

Smart Start
(800) 880-3394

Alcohol Detection Systems
(800) 786-7394

Alco Alert Interlock
(888) 663-9847

Draeger Safety Diagnostics
(800) 332-6858

Alcohol Countermeasures Systems
(888) 847-3463

IID Calibration And Monitoring

Once installed in your vehicle, the IID must be calibrated and inspected by a certified installer at intervals not to exceed 60 days. The inspections make sure the device is working properly and that no violations have been logged. Drivers who do not comply with IID requirements are reported to the court or to DMV (whichever applies) and may have their driving privilege suspended or revoked.
Installation And Monitoring Fees

IID installation and monitoring fees vary among companies and may depend on your location. Call the listed companies for price quotes.

Questions Commonly Asked

Here are answers to the most commonly-asked questions about IIDs.

Q: Can someone use a balloon or other air source to mimic human breath?
A: No. The devices currently available have anti-circumvention techniques, which cause the IID to abort phony breath samples.

Q: Can a person with an IID restriction have someone else take the breath test for the driver to start the vehicle?
A: Not legally. California Vehicle Code §23247 makes it unlawful for another person to blow into an IID or to start a motor vehicle equipped with the device for the purpose of providing an operable motor vehicle to a person whose driving privilege is restricted. If the car was started illegally, the person who started it or another sober individual would have to ride in the vehicle because the unit will randomly ask for a "running retest." If a test is not taken or if the test is failed, the unit will log a violation. With some devices, the horn will honk until the vehicle is turned off. California law imposes fines and/or jail for individuals assisting in the circumvention of the IID.

Q: Will the IID unit lose all memory if the battery is disconnected?
A: No. The unit has a back up lithium battery to protect the data log's memory.

Q: If a driver gets stranded and thinks the IID unit is causing the problem, is there anything he/she can do?
A: Some units can self-diagnose problems and the driver will be able to confirm if the unit is having problems by the condition of the service light. The driver can also call a service provider to help determine if the unit requires service.

Q: Can a participant leave his/her car running outside of a bar, while drinking inside, and then drive away?
A: If someone tries to do this, the unit will randomly ask for breath tests while the vehicle is running. If a sample is not given when requested, the device logs a violation and with some devices, the horn starts to honk until the vehicle is shut off.

Q: What happens when the driver forgets his/her service appointment?
A: The device will prompt the driver. For example, a device may flash or the light may stay on and a tone will sound if it needs service. If the IID is not serviced, all IIDs will enter a lockout condition and the driver will not be able to operate the vehicle. Then, the vehicle would have to be towed to the service center or the service center technician would have to perform remote service.

Q: What if the driver is taking a medicine with an alcohol base?
A: Alcohol is alcohol. If the driver's blood alcohol concentration, as measured in the breath, is over the preset level, the driver will not be allowed to start the vehicle. During the training session, drivers are particularly cautioned about common substances that contain alcohol and the use of mouthwash.

Q: What if the driver uses mouthwash in the morning and the mouthwash has an alcohol base?
A: Again, alcohol is alcohol. If the driver does not allow sufficient time for the alcohol to dissipate from his/her mouth, a FAIL will be registered in the memory.

Q: What happens when a driver fails the breath test?
A: The IID will enter a short lockout period of a few minutes for the first failed breath alcohol test and a longer lockout for any subsequent failed breath alcohol test. This permits an opportunity for the alcohol to dissipate from the mouth and for the driver to consider the reason for the failed breath alcohol test.

Q: Can others besides the participating driver drive the IID-equipped vehicle?
A: Yes. However any intended driver must take and pass a breath test in order to start the vehicle. All other possible drivers should be trained on the operation of the device. The person with the IID restriction is responsible for all readings recorded by the device.

Q: What happens when the IID-equipped vehicle needs repair?
A: The driver needs to contact the IID service provider before having repairs conducted on his/her vehicle in case the repair shop has questions about the IID. Documentation must be provided if the power to the vehicle is interrupted as the unit will record the power disconnect and the reconnect.

Q: If the IID unit malfunctions, will it shut the vehicle off?
A: No. The IID unit has no means of interrupting vehicle operation once it is started.

Q: What happens if the vehicle stalls in traffic?
A: The IID unit permits the driver to restart the vehicle without having to conduct another breath sample, but a breath sample will be requested shortly after restarting.

Q: What happens if the driver is out of California and experiences problems with his/her IID unit?
A: Most states currently have IID programs with service centers to assist them. Drivers are instructed to contact the primary service center to be routed to the closest center for assistance.

Q: Will installation of the IID damage the vehicle?
A: No. The IID unit is only connected to the wiring under the dash and under the hood. At the end of the program, this wiring is restored to pre-IID installation conditions.

Q: Will the requirements to take a "running retest" cause the driver to take his/her eyes off the road creating a hazardous situation?
A: No. When the IID signals for a retest, the driver has a few minutes to provide the sample or to pull over to the side of the road in a safe area to provide the breath sample. There are no buttons to push; the driver must only breathe into the unit to complete a breath sample. This is much simpler than using a cellular telephone or tuning a state-of-the-art car stereo.

Q: How often does the device need a calibration check?
A: Typically, every 60 days.

Q: Can the device be tampered with by computer?
A: No. Proprietary software and a special interface connection are needed to communicate with the device.

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