If you’re visiting this page, chances are, your or a loved one has been convicted of DUI and you’re looking to get an ignition interlock device (IID) installed. Well, you’re in the right place. ALCOLOCK has dozens of ignition interlock device locations in California, from Sacramento to San Diego and multiple locations in between.. Our goal is to help you complete your restricted driving program with as little hassle as possible. Get started by scheduling your ignition interlock device installation with one of our certified California vendors today. Check out the list below to find the California ALCOLOCK location that’s most convenient.
Before you call to schedule an ignition interlock device installation, you may want to read a little about what the California program entails.
California Laws Regarding Ignition Interlock Installation
Starting January 1, 2019, the state of California has mandated that any driver convicted of DUI must get an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle if the want to get their driver’s license reinstated. The new state IID law expands a pilot program that had been going on for a while in four counties — Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare.
A few new things about the law:
- There is no mandatory 30 day suspension before getting an IID installed.
- If you have an ignition interlock device installed, you can drive anywhere you want, at any time of day, with no restrictions.
- It applies to first time DUI offenders.
The law also requires you to have the ignition interlock device installation completed by state-approved vendors, and you must schedule monthly service appointments for the duration of your restricted driving program. This is not a do-it-yourself project. Also, be advised that if you drive more than one vehicle, California law requires you to install an IID in all of them.
How Ignition Interlock Installation Works
When one of our certified technicians performs your ignition interlock installation, they attach the device to your ignition and calibrate the handheld device. Your installation appointment includes full training in how to use the device, how to properly blow into it, what the various sounds and messages mean, and more.
How Ignition Interlock Devices Work
Essentially, ignition interlock devices are car breathalyzers, mandated by the state. Since the device is connected to your vehicle’s starter, blowing into the device when there is alcohol on your breath will cause you to fail the BAC test, and you won’t be able to start your car — you’re locked out. If you pass the breath test, you can start your vehicle like you normally would.
Be advised, ignition interlock devices are very sensitive, and can detect the slightest amount of alcohol. For this reason, you may want to swish your mouth with water before blowing into the device, and avoid things such as mouthwash, cough medicine or energy drinks, which all contain alcohol.
And once you’re driving, the device will send you a reminder to take occasional “rolling retests” to ensure you didn’t start drinking after you started the car. You shouldn’t actually submit a breath sample while you’re driving. The device will send you an audible and visual signal several minutes before the rolling retest is required. This will give you time to exit, pull over, or park your vehicle before submitting a breath sample. If you fail the test, the device will record tat, but will not cut off the engine if the car is running.
Monthly Maintenance Visits
California law also requires you to bring your vehicle in to your service center for monthly maintenance visits. These generally only take about 20 minutes. During your visit, the technician will upload all records from the device to your monitoring agency, which is generally the Department of Motor Vehicles. Your record will include:
- How many times you took the test
- How many times you passed the test
- How many times you failed the test
- If you skipped a rolling retest
- If you tried to tamper with or disconnect the device
- If you tried to have someone else take the breath test
- And more, depending on the device
Your specific program requirements will be spelled out in your court and DMV paperwork. But be advised, if the DMV finds that you have tried to tamper with or disconnect the device, or tried to bypass the test by having someone else take the test for you, the will immediately drop you from the restricted driving program and reinstate your suspension.
We will remove your ignition interlock device if you’re suspended from the program, or at the successful completion of your restricted driving program.
Schedule Your Ignition Interlock Device Installation
ALCOLOCK has a number of ignition interlock device installation locations in California. Find the most convenient location for you in the list below. Once you call us at (877) 258-5696 for an appointment, we’ll verify your eligibility for the program, and schedule your installation. In most cases, we can schedule your device installation within 48 hours of your call. You can also use our contact form to schedule your installation.