When you sign the paperwork and pay the fees to participate in your state’s ignition interlock device (IID) program, you are making a commitment. You are committing to pay for the device installation and service, and you are agreeing to abide by the restricted driving program rules. In a nutshell, while you have the device installed, you are responsible for maintaining the condition of the device, and for every test result or attempt to tamper with the device.
So if you share your vehicle with someone else, and they will be driving it while the ignition interlock device is installed, you need to make sure they know what the rules are for using the device, and how you can get in trouble if someone else who is intoxicated blows into your ignition interlock. If they will use your vehicle on a regular basis, they should receive training from an ALCOLOCK technician. And to protect yourself, you should try and keep a detailed record of the dates and times when someone else drives your vehicle.
The ignition interlock device records a number of things, including program violations, and that data is given to your monitoring agency, usually on a monthly basis, but sometimes more frequently, and occasionally less frequently. The recorded data helps the state and the courts determine if you are meeting the requirements of the program. Program violations include:
- Failing a breath test
- Failing a rolling retest
- Skipping a rolling retest
- Continuing to drive after failing a rolling retest
- Attempting to tamper with or remove the device
- And more
You can face numerous penalties for program violations, depending on the specific rules of your state’s restricted driving program. Most states permit a certain number of failed tests. Refer to your state’s program rules and regulations for information. You may have a printed copy of the program guidelines, or you can find specifics on your DMV/DOT website.
Penalties for program violations can include:
- Extension of the time you have to have the IID installed
- Being kicked out of the restricted driving program and having to serve out the full length of your suspension
- Fines
- Jail time
- Mandatory substance abuse treatment
- And more
What to Do If Someone Else Committed a Program Violation
If someone just played an awful prank, or if the person you share the car with blew into the ignition interlock while they were intoxicated, there are things you should do. You should contact your monitoring agency and ALCOLOCK right away to let us know what happened, and when. You may also want to contact your DUI lawyer. You don’t want to be penalized for someone else’s mistake.
If you are in one of the many states that requires ignition interlock devices to be equipped with cameras, you’re in luck. There will be a photographic record of who failed the test, who skipped a rolling retest, or who tried to tamper with the device. If someone else clearly committed the program violation, it will not be held against you. The other person may face consequences, though, especially if they damaged the device.
Ignition Interlock Installation Near You
ALCOLOCK has dozens of ignition interlock installation locations across the country. The installation of your Ignition interlock is relatively quick and easy. Keep in mind you’ll need to have someone drive you and your vehicle to the ALCOLOCK service location where you scheduled your appointment. You’ll be able to drive the vehicle off the lot once we install the device. Your IID installation appointment will last for about an hour. During that time, your service technician will install the electronic control unit (ECU) and will calibrate the handheld device to you, specifically. They will also train you on how to properly use the device.
If you share your vehicle with another driver and they will be driving it while the IID is installed, bring them with you to the installation appointment so they can receive training, too. Before you leave, you’ll sign some paperwork and receive an owner’s manual. If you ever have any questions, we’re here to help, 24/7. You can also check out our troubleshooting tips.
To schedule your ignition interlock device installation, you can call the service center nearest you directly, or you can call us at 866-700-9300. For general questions, or to schedule your installation online, you can also use our contact form, and someone will get back to you shortly.