At ALCOLOCK, our goal is to get you back on the road as quickly as possible after you apply for a restricted license. That’s why we’ve teamed up with vendors across the state, from Houston to Austin to San Antonio and Irving.
We realize you have choices when it comes to ignition interlock device installation, and we want to assure you, that as a pioneer in the industry, we provide high quality ignition interlock devices, along with quality installation and maintenance services. We are ISO 9001 certified, and we are in full compliance will all state and federal rules and regulations as they apply to ignition interlock devices.
Texas Laws Regarding Ignition Interlock Device Installation
If you’ve been convicted of DUI in Texas, state law lays out when ignition interlock device is mandatory, and when it’s voluntary. In a nutshell, IID installation is mandatory for repeat offenses, and ignition interlock installation is available to first offenders who want or need to obtain a occupational or restricted license.
In Texas, ignition interlock installation is mandated via a court order. For most offenses you’ll be required to serve a license suspension of at least a year. During the course of your suspension, however, you may be able to retain some of your driving privileges by applying for a restricted ignition interlock license. The fee to obtain the license is $10, plus license reinstatement fees. Depending on the specifics of your case you may also have to provide an SR-22 or financial responsibility form. The restricted license will allow you to retain some of your driving privileges
if you install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. As always, it’s important to consult your attorney to find out the specific restrictions and requirements that apply to your case.
Ignition Interlock Device Basics
You probably know by now that an ignition interlock device (IID) is essentially a car breathalyzer. It’s hooked into your car’s starting mechanism. Each time you go to start the car, you have to blow into a handheld device, which records your breath alcohol content (BAC). If you haven’t been drinking, you will pass the test, and be able to start your car, and you will then have to do periodic retests. If the device detects a even a small amount of alcohol, you will be locked out and unable to start your car. Pretty simple, really.
The device records every time you take the test and what the results were. It also records if you skipped a test, or attempted to tamper with the device in any way. Those results are uploaded to your monitoring agency each month, or more often, depending on the circumstances. Failure to comply with the the IID program can result in your termination from the restricted driving program altogether.
What to Expect at Your Ignition Interlock Device Installation Appointment
Your installation appointment should last about an hour. During that time, our certified technician will hook the ignition interlock device into your vehicle’s starter. The device comes in two parts — the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that is connected to the starter, and the handheld device that you blow into. In addition to the actual installation, your technician will train you in how to properly use the device, including explaining what the various lights and sounds mean. Before you leave, you will schedule an appointment for your first monthly maintenance visit. You will have a service appointment each month, where the technician will upload the information from the device, and re-calibrate it if needed.
Failure to Install an Ignition Interlock Device
If the court has ordered you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will send you a notice, giving you 30 days to install the IID. If you fail to get an ignition interlock device installed, DPS will cancel your driving privileges.
You may face additional penalties from the courts. Consult with your DUI lawyer for more information.
Schedule at One Of Our Ignition Interlock Device Installation Locations in Texas Today
If you need to get an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, check out the list below for ALCOLOCK’s ignition interlock device installation locations in Texas. You can call the vendors directly, or call us 24/7 at (888) 401-5024. You can also use our contact form and someone will get back to you quickly. Generally, we can get you on the schedule for installation within 48 hours of your call.