Are Interlock Device Results Reported to the DMV?

If you have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed, or you’re about to get one installed as part of your state’s restricted driving program, you should know that everything the device records will be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or DOT, or whatever it is called in your state. Whoever runs the ignition interlock program will get your interlock device results.

And if the court ordered you to get the IID, your probation officer or other court officers will also get the information. If substance abuse treatment was ordered by the court, your treatment provider may also receive results. In addition, you can always ask for a printout of the results as well.

Of course, if you voluntarily install an interlock device to keep yourself or a family member from drinking and driving, you will be the one to get any information the device has recorded. Those results will NOT be reported to the DMV or the courts.

What Results Are Reported

Essentially, everything the device records is reported. While state ignition interlock laws may vary, they all require the devices to record certain things, and then to report those results. This is in line with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) model specifications for ignition interlock devices. These specifications cover the sensitivity and reliability of IIDs as well as what they need to record, at a minimum.

Interlock device results reported to the DMV and courts may include:

  • Date and time of each startup test, or rolling retest
  • Location of the vehicle at the time of each test, if the device is GPS-equipped
  • A photo of you at the time of each test if the device is camera-equipped
  • Whether you passed or failed a test
  • Your BAC for each test
  • How many lockouts you had
  • Whether you tried to have someone else take the breath test for you
  • If you tried to tamper with or remove the IID
  • If you missed a service visit
  • And more, depending on your program

When Results Are Reported

When the interlock device results are reported to the DMV or courts depends on your state, and whether you’ve been complying with the program rules.

In Real Time

Some states require real-time reporting in some or all cases. This is especially true if you are mandated by the court to have the ignition interlock device installed. When you are in a court-ordered program, you are more likely to have more restrictions on when and where you can drive. You are also more likely to be ordered to get substance abuse treatment.

If your IID is equipped for real-time reporting, this means your monitoring agency has access to the results 24/7. If real time is enabled, you will also have GPS on your device. This combination allows your monitoring agency to alert the authorities if you are violating your program rules. Feasibly, a law enforcement officer could be dispatched to your location if you failed a rolling retest.

At Every Service Visit

Most states require you to bring your vehicle in for a regular service visit every 30 days. Other states require you to come in every 60 days. At those visits, your technician will transmit all of the information the device has recorded to your monitoring agency or agencies — the DMV, the courts, etc.

Some Violations and Lockouts Must Be Reported Before a Service Visit

Most states require interlock vendors like ALCOLOCK to report certain program violations within a day or two of their occurrence. This will vary from state to state. These violations will be spelled out in your program paperwork, but include the more serious violations such as a number of vehicle lockouts during a certain time period, or tampering with or attempting to remove the device.

Schedule Ignition Interlock Device Installation

ALCOLOCK provides fast and affordable ignition interlock device installation and monthly service. If you need to get an ignition interlock device installed, just call the service location nearest you to set up your appointment. Keep in mind where you get the device installed is where you will go for service visits. You can also call ALCOLOCK directly at (866) 700-9300. Please have your restricted driving program paperwork with you when you call, to help us verify your eligibility for the program.

We can usually get your installation scheduled and completed within 48 hours of your call. You will need to have someone drive you and your vehicle to your appointment. That first appointment will take about an hour. During that time, the technician will install the IID in your vehicle, train you how to use it, and explain what all of the sounds, lights, and messages mean. If someone else will be driving your car while the IID is installed, they should come in for training as well. And finally, before you get behind the wheel, we will schedule your first service visit. Those usually take about 20 minutes.

Skip to toolbar