In a word, no. Ignition interlock devices are becoming more and more common. All 50 states and Washington DC have ignition interlock laws and restricted driving programs. While who has to install an IID, for how long, and precise program rules may vary, one thing is constant. You CANNOT drive another car without an interlock. At least not legally.
The whole point of a state’s ignition interlock law is to ensure that you don’t attempt to drink and drive after a DUI. Your restricted license has a symbol on it, or the word RESTRICTED. This is to let any law enforcement officer know that you cannot drive a car without an interlock.
There are several scenarios to cover, including:
Your Cars
Most states only require you to install an ignition interlock device in the car you normally drive. However, some states require you to get an IID installed in every vehicle you own. Your state DMV website, or your court paperwork will give you the specifics for your state. You can drive any one of your vehicles, as long as an ignition interlock device is installed.
A Friend’s Car
You cannot ask to borrow and drive a friend’s car (or take it without asking) in an attempt to drive without an IID. This is a major program violation, and could get your friend in trouble as well.
A Rental Car
Rental car companies generally won’t rent to people with an interlock restricted license, as their vehicles are not IID-equipped, and you’re a high-risk driver. If you’re traveling without your own vehicle, you will want to rely on taxis, Uber, Lyft, or a traveling companion to do the driving.
A Work Vehicle
A work vehicle might be the only exception where you can drive another car without an interlock. Less than half the states grant what’s called an employer exemption. That means if you drive a work vehicle, such as a work truck or fleet vehicle, the employer does not have to install an interlock. But you have to notify your employer, and they have to sign a form, such as this employer exemption form that California provides. Count yourself lucky if your employer signs it.
But many employers don’t want you driving their vehicles after a DUI. Some may reassign you to another position that doesn’t involve driving, while others, like trucking companies, may fire you. Your employer also has the option of installing an interlock device in the vehicle and making you pay for it as part of continuing to drive for them.
Your state’s interlock website will say if there is such an exemption, and how to get one.
Penalties for Driving another Car Without an Interlock
We’ve mentioned a couple of times now that driving another car without an interlock is a major restricted driving program violation. If you are required by state law or the courts to only drive a vehicle with an interlock installed, you can face some pretty substantial penalties if you are caught driving another car without an interlock.
Someone who knows you are required to drive an IID-equipped vehicle could turn you in if they see you driving another vehicle. Or law enforcement might pull you over, even for a minor infraction. Once they see your license and see the vehicle you are driving does not have an interlock device, they can seize your license and arrest you on the spot.
Once the DMV and courts know what you have done, you can face additional fines, revocation of parole, jail time, and more, depending on your state and the circumstances of your original offense.
It’s really not worth the trouble to try and drive another car without an interlock. Let someone else do the driving if you need to get somewhere and don’t have your own car.
Schedule Your Ignition Interlock Device Installation
If you need to get an ignition interlock device installed on one or more vehicles, ALCOLOCK is ready to help. We offer fast and affordable IID installation. And we have ignition interlock device installation locations in states across the country. To schedule your installation, simply call the service location most convenient to you. Keep in mind that where you get your IID installed is where you will take your vehicle in for regular service visits. You can also call ALCOLOCK directly at (866) 700-9300.
Schedule your installation for a day and time for installation where someone can drive you and your vehicle to the appointment. And if someone else will be driving the vehicle while you have the interlock installed, they should come with you.
Set aside an hour for your installation appointment (not counting travel time).During that time, the technician will physically install the IID in your car. Once that is done, the service tech will train you and anyone else how to use it. Your technician will calibrate the device to you, specifically, and explain what all of the lights, sounds, and messages mean. You’ll also get a user’s manual to help you if you forget some of what you learned. Finally, you will schedule your first service visit. Those are required generally every 30-60 days, depending on your state. A typical service visit lasts about 20 minutes.