Can I Drive Without an Interlock in Another State?

If you’ve been ordered by the court or the DMV to install an ignition interlock device (IID), you probably have a lot of questions. If you travel for work, or you’re planning to move, you may be wondering “Can I drive without an interlock in another state?” The simple answer is NO.

If you’ve been convicted of DUI, and ordered to get an interlock restricted license, there’s no way you can legally drive without an interlock in another state. That’s because all 50 states have ignition interlock laws, and each state supports another’s laws when it comes to reducing drunk driving. If you have an interlock restricted license and you’re pulled over in another state driving a vehicle that is not equipped with an IID, you’re in trouble in two different states.

First, you’re in trouble for whatever you got pulled over for, however minor. Second, you’re in BIG trouble in the state in which you are licensed. Not equipping your vehicle with an IID, or driving a vehicle without an IID are both major program violations. You can face fines, jail time, an extension of your restricted driving program, and more.

You Got a DUI Conviction in One State, but Live in Another

Let’s say you got a DUI in Virginia, but you live in North Carolina. Virginia is an all offender state when it comes to ignition interlocks, which means even if this was your first offense, you are required to get an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle if you ever want to drive in Virginia again. Fine, you say. I won’t drive in Virginia.

But it’s not that simple. Any state where you get a DUI notifies your home state of the violation and the restriction on your license. It’s all part of the Interstate Drivers License Compact (DLC).  The DLC is guided by the concept, “One Driver, One License, One Record.” Member states exchange information regarding the licensing process. You can’t run and hide from the interlock requirement.

If You’re Moving to Another State

In addition, if you decide to move to another state, you will have to complete the ignition interlock requirements imposed on you in the state where you got your DUI. If you wish to apply for a license in your new state, you will still have to get an interlock restricted license. The National Driver Register will alert the new state that your license is restricted in another state. There are no secrets with the DMV when it comes to who they consider problem drivers.

Before you actually move, you will need to notify the courts, the DMV in your state, your service provider, and more. If your current service provider does not have service locations in your new state, things get a little more complicated, because you would have to have the device removed by one provider, and a new device installed by a second provider in your new state. Otherwise, you could simply transfer from one service location to another with a multi-state provider like ALCOLOCK.

If you need to transfer your interlock program to another state, you may want to consult with a DUI lawyer, as it can get a little complicated with all of the paperwork and deadlines.

Schedule Your Ignition Interlock Device Installation

If you’re required to get an ignition interlock device installed, ALCOLOCK can help. We offer fast and affordable ignition interlock device installation at service locations across the country. You can call the location nearest you to schedule your installation appointment, or call ALCOLOCK at (866) 700-9300.

We are authorized vendors in states across the country, and once you provide us with your information from your court or DMV paperwork, we’ll get you scheduled and on the road again within a couple of days of your call.

Plan Ahead for Your Installation

You’ll need to get someone else to drive you and your vehicle to your installation appointment. Once the device is installed, you can drive it. Your appointment will take about an hour for the actual installation, and training you in how to use the device. If someone else will be driving your vehicle during the duration of your restricted driving program, bring them with you to your appointment so we can train them and calibrate the device to two different users.

At your installation appointment, we’ll also schedule your first service visit. Service visits only take about 20 minutes. Payment is due at the time of service.

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