Pursuant to state law, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will conduct a Statewide Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Pilot Program that requires all repeat and all injury-involved driving under the influence (DUI) offenders to install an IID for a time-period ranging from one to four years, depending on the number of prior DUI convictions. Offenders who install an IID may drive anytime or anywhere, as long as the vehicle is equipped with an IID.
The pilot program applies to DUI offenders convicted of a DUI involving alcohol or a combination of alcohol and drugs, and whose offenses occur on or after January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2025, except for the following offenders:
- First-time offenders whose violation did not involve drugs only, and did not result in injury.
- Repeat offenders whose violation involved drugs only.
- Offenders who were administratively suspended after their DUI arrest.
- Offenders approved for an IID exemption.
Mandatory IID Installation Period for Multiple and Injury Offenders
| Number of Prior DUI Convictions Within 10 Years | Mandatory IID Restriction Term Non-Injury offenses | Mandatory IID Restriction Term Injury Offenses, or Vehicular Manslaughter Offenses |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | None | 1 year |
| 1 | 1 year | 2 years |
| 2 | 2 years | 3 years |
| 3 or more | 3 years | 3 years |
| 1 or more prior felony convictions | 3 years | 4 years |
IID Restriction Requirements
Pilot program participants may immediately comply with the mandatory IID installation without serving any suspension or revocation period. Before applying for an IID-restricted driver license, all offenders must meet the following requirements:
- Clear all other outstanding suspensions or revocations on the driving record.
- Install an IID on a vehicle the offender operates and provide DMV with a Verification of Installation Ignition Interlock form (DL 920).
- Provide a Proof of Enrollment Certificate (DL 107) or Notice of Completion Certificate (DL 101) for the appropriate DUI program length.
- Provide a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22).
- Pay all applicable reissue and restriction fees, including additional Administrative Service Fees.
Alcohol-Involved First-Time Offenders
Under the pilot program, first-time alcohol-related DUI offenders may have a court-ordered IID installation period of up to six months upon conviction. In the absence of a court-ordered IID, first time offenders may opt to apply for an IID restriction for up to six months, or may opt to apply for a restriction allowing them to drive to, from, and during the course of their employment and to and from their DUI program for one year.
Drug-Only Repeat Offenders
Repeat offenders whose offense involved drugs only may qualify for an IID-restricted driver license after serving at least one year of their DUI suspension or revocation.
Administrative Per Se Offenders
Administrative Per Se (APS) offenders may opt to apply for an IID restriction for up to four months for a first-time non-refusal offense, and up to one year for a repeat non-refusal offense. These offenders may avoid any suspension period by applying for the optional IID restriction immediately.
APS offenders who opted to apply for an IID restriction may receive credit towards the required mandatory IID installation period, if convicted. Only multiple and injury offenders have a mandatory IID restriction period.
Exemption from Mandatory IID Installation
Offenders subject to mandatory IID installation under the pilot program may qualify for an exemption. If an exemption is granted, offenders must serve their full suspension or revocation term and complete their DUI treatment program. Additional information can be found in the Exemption Requests link below.
Driving During the Scope of Your Employment
You may drive your employer’s vehicle during the scope of your employment without an IID if you currently possess an IID-restricted driver license. To qualify, you must complete a Notice to Employers Ignition Interlock Restriction (DL 923) form and provide it to your employer. You are also required to keep a copy of the form in your possession or with your employer’s vehicle.
If you have been granted an exemption from the mandatory IID installation, then you do not qualify for the Employer’s Vehicle exemption.
Customers with questions related to a DUI suspension or revocation should contact the Mandatory Actions Unit at (916) 657-6525.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new Statewide IID Pilot Program runs from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2025, and:
- Requires installation of an IID for a specified period for driving under the influence (DUI) offenders with violations involving alcohol.
- Authorizes DMV to issue an IID-restricted driver license to DUI offenders who meet specific requirements without serving any waiting period such as a suspension or revocation.
- Exempts DUI offenders from the mandatory IID installation requirement if their violation included only drugs (no alcohol), they were first time offenders without injury, or the offender qualifies for an exemption.
- Allows Administrative Per Se (APS) violators that submitted to a chemical test to immediately obtain an IID-restricted driver license and accumulate credit toward their mandatory IID restriction period if convicted.
- Authorizes courts to order IID installation for up to six months for first-time DUI offenders (without injury).
- Authorizes courts to order IID installation for a minimum of three months for wet-reckless offenders.
An IID is about the size of a cell phone and wired to your vehicle’s ignition. After installation, the IID requires your breath sample before the engine can start. If the IID detects alcohol on your breath, the engine will not start. As you drive, you will be periodically required to provide breath samples to ensure the continued absence of alcohol in your system. More information can be found in the Ignition Interlock Devices (FFDL 31) Fast Facts brochure.
APS is an administrative license suspension program that requires DMV to suspend or revoke your driving privilege based on an arrest for DUI. More information can be found in the Driving Under the Influence – Immediate Driver License Suspension or Revocation: Drivers Age 21 and Older (FFDL 35) Fast Facts brochure.
If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was greater than 0.08%, you did not refuse the chemical test, and you are age 21 or older, then your driving privilege will be suspended under the APS law. If you are convicted of a DUI for the same offense, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for a period ranging from 6 months to 5 years. You may be subject to the mandatory IID restriction requirements for your DUI conviction, depending on whether this is your first DUI offense, whether it involved alcohol, and whether or not it resulted in injury.
If you have been arrested for a first-time DUI that resulted in injury or a repeat DUI violation involving alcohol on or after January 1, 2019, and are convicted by the court of a DUI for that violation, then you will need to install an IID. DMV will send you a suspension or revocation letter that will provide you with information about the mandatory IID restriction requirements and regaining your driving privilege.
Contact a California-certified IID installer to obtain more information about installing an IID in your vehicle. All IID installers in California are required to have a valid license issued by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) or Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), which are part of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Licensed IID installers in your area can be found at dca.ca.gov by selecting the License Search link under the Licensees tab. Then select the Auto Repair Dealers link from the list provided to find a company or individual.
No, you are not required to install an IID if you were convicted of a drug-only DUI. However, you may have the option to obtain the following restrictions:
| Employment/Treatment Program | IID |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible: • Non-injury 1st offenders • Non-injury 2nd offenders that have served 1 year of their suspension If you are eligible, you may apply for a driver license that restricts you to driving to, from, and during your place of employment, and to and from your DUI program. | Who is eligible: • All non-injury and injury repeat offenders that have served 1 year of their suspension or revocation. If you are eligible, you may apply for a driver license that restricts you to operating a vehicle equipped with an IID. |
| To apply for this restriction: • Visit a DMV office (appointment recommended) • Provide proof of enrollment in a DUI program • Provide a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22) • Pay all applicable fees | To apply for this restriction: • Visit a DMV office (appointment recommended) • Provide proof of enrollment in a DUI program • Provide a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22) • Pay all applicable fees |
Yes, you may be eligible for the following restrictions as long as you did not refuse the chemical test and you were age 21 or older at the time of your violation:
| Employment/Treatment Program | IID |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible: • 1st offenders (up to 5 months restriction) If you are eligible, you may apply for a driver license that restricts you to driving to, from, and during your place of employment, and to and from your DUI program. | Who is eligible: • 1st offenders (up to 4 months restriction) • Repeat offenders (up to 12 months restriction) If you are eligible, you may apply for a driver license that restricts you to operating a vehicle equipped with an IID. |
| To apply for this restriction: • Visit a DMV office (appointment recommended) • Provide proof of enrollment in a DUI program • Provide a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22) • Pay a $125 administrative service fee | To apply for this restriction: • Visit a DMV office (appointment recommended) • Provide proof of enrollment in a DUI program • Provide a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22) • Pay a $125 administrative service fee |
You are not required to install an IID unless you were convicted in the county of Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, or Tulare. If you were convicted in one of these counties and your violation occurred between July 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, then you are subject to mandatory IID installation based on the four county IID pilot program established under Assembly Bill 91 (Feuer, Ch. 217, Stats. 2009).
You are not required to install an IID unless the court orders you to do so. If the court did not order IID installation, then you still have the option to obtain an IID-restricted driver license for up to 6 or 10 months, or obtain a restricted driver license that limits you to driving to, from, and during your place of employment, and to and from your DUI program for 12 months.
Yes, if you are subject to the mandatory IID restriction period, then there are extra administrative service fees of $103 in addition to any other required fees, such as reissue fees, duplicate license fees, and restriction fees.
You are not required to install an IID unless the court orders you to do so.
Yes, there is a program for those whose income is at or below the federal poverty level, as follows:
| Participant with… | Participant pays… |
|---|---|
| An income at 100 percent or below the federal poverty level | 10 percent of the program costs and any additional costs due to non-compliance |
| An income at 101 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level | 25 percent of the program costs and any additional costs due to non-compliance |
| An income at 201 to 300 percent of the federal poverty level | 50 percent of the program costs and any additional costs due to non-compliance |
| CalFresh benefits | 50 percent of the program costs and any additional costs due to non-compliance |
| An income at 301 to 400 percent of the federal poverty level | 90 percent of the program costs and any additional costs due to non-compliance |
IID providers will verify your income, which requires you to submit one of the following documents:
- The previous year’s federal income tax return.
- The previous three months of weekly or monthly income statements.
- Employment Development Department verification of unemployment benefits.
If you were convicted of a DUI that involved alcohol, and this was your first offense that resulted in injury or a repeat offense, then you will be required to install and maintain an IID for a period ranging from 1-4 years.
| Number of Prior DUI Convictions Within 10 Years | Mandatory IID Restriction Term for VC §23152 (Non-Injury) | Mandatory IID Restriction Term for VC §23153 or PC §191.5(b) (Injury) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | n/a | 1 year |
| 1 | 1 year | 2 years |
| 2 | 2 years | 3 years |
| 3 or more | 3 years | 3 years |
| 1 or more prior felony convictions | 3 years | 4 years |
If you have enrolled in a DUI program, obtained proof of financial responsibility (SR 22), and you do not have any other outstanding suspensions or revocations on your record, then bring your Verification of Installation Ignition Interlock (DL 920) form to a DMV office (appointment recommended) and apply for a restricted driver license.
Your IID installer will submit a Notice of Non-Compliance Ignition Interlock (DL 921) form to DMV reporting that you have not calibrated your IID within 60 days and DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege.
You will need to go to your IID installer and get back into compliance with the IID. The IID installer will submit a new DL 920 to DMV and DMV will reinstate your driving privilege with the IID restriction.
In most cases, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for the remainder of your original suspension or revocation period, and until you provide DMV with proof of completion of your DUI program. For more information on your specific situation, contact the Mandatory Actions Unit at (916) 657-6525.
If you are required to install an IID under the program and you don’t own or have access to a vehicle, or if you no longer have the vehicle you violated in, then you qualify for an exemption from the IID requirements.
An exemption means that you do not have to install an IID and you are also not required to pay the additional $103 administrative service fees in order to reinstate your driving privilege.
If you do not own or have access to a vehicle, or if you no longer have the vehicle you violated in, then you must submit an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Exemption Request (DL 4062) form to DMV within 30 days of your Order of Suspension or Order of Revocation.
No, you do not have to install an IID. You will need to obtain an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Medical Exemption Request (DL 4063) form from the Mandatory Actions Unit by calling (916) 657-6525. You and your medical provider must complete and submit the form to DMV. DMV will also accept an original note from your medical provider that states you cannot breathe with sufficient strength to activate an IID, which includes your medical provider’s license or certificate number and signature.
If you did not complete a DUI program in California, then you will need to complete and submit an Application for Termination of Action (DL 4006) to DMV. If you did complete a DUI program in California but you have not installed an IID, then you will need to complete and submit a DL 4062 form.
If you were convicted of a DUI in another state, you may need to install an IID for California. You will need to contact the Mandatory Actions Unit at (916) 657-6525 to learn more information about your specific situation.
Your driving privilege will remain suspended or revoked for the remainder of your suspension or revocation period. You will also need to complete a DUI program and provide an SR 22 in order to reinstate your full driving privilege.
Yes, you will need to install an IID in order to comply with the program. Once the IID is installed, you must provide DMV with the DL 920 form and all applicable fees. You will need to serve the full term of your mandatory IID restriction once DMV issues the IID-restricted driver license.
No, you do not qualify for an exemption if you own a car(s) that does not run or has an approved planned non-operation (PNO) on file.
Once DMV has issued you an IID-restricted driver license, you can drive your employer’s vehicle without installing an IID. You must keep a Notice to Employer (DL 923) form with you while you drive your employer’s vehicle.
The new law applies to all drivers regardless of class of license. If you hold a CDL, then you are required by law to downgrade to a non-commercial driver license to obtain an IID-restricted driver license.
If you never comply with the mandatory IID installation requirement, then you will not be issued a driver license and cannot legally drive.
If you are stopped by law enforcement in this situation, then you will be cited and subsequently convicted for driving in violation of your IID restriction. Conviction will lead to suspension or revocation of your driving privilege.
No, it is unlawful for individuals and companies to rent, lease, or lend a car to someone who has an IID restricted driver license.
DMV requires you to file a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22) as a requirement to reinstate your driving privilege after receiving a DUI. Check with your auto insurance company for details on rate increases based on DUI violations.
A DUI will stay on your public driver record for ten years from your violation date. Any DUI-related suspensions or revocations that were never reinstated will stay on your public driver record indefinitely. Once your suspension or revocation is reinstated, it will stay on for three years after the reinstatement date. DUIs are also used as priors for any subsequent DUIs for ten years from your previous violation date.