If you’ve been approved for your state’s restricted driving program and you’re getting an ignition interlock device (IID) installed, one of the first questions you may have is “What happens if you violate your interlock device?” The answer depends on where you live, as well as the specific requirements laid out in your restricted driving program. Some people may just have the basic program rules laid out by the state. But if your IID is court-mandated, you may have some additional rules to abide by. You should have paperwork that tells you exactly what your restricted driving program rules are.
Before we get into the specifics of what happens if you violate your interlock device, it’s helpful to know what the main ignition interlock device program violations are.
Ignition Interlock Device Program Violations
Ignition interlock device program violations are laid out in your DMV or court paperwork. They are also listed in your IID handbook. All 50 states and Washington DC have ignition interlock laws. While it may vary from state to state as far as who has to get an IID installed, and for how long, they all agree on what constitutes a program violation.
These include:
- Failure to install the IID in your vehicle
- Driving a vehicle without an IID installed
- Failing one or more startup tests
- Failing a rolling retest
- Skipping a rolling retest
- Trying to get someone else to take the breath test for you
- Trying to tamper with or remove the device
- Skipping a service visit
- Not paying your IID service provider
- Getting arrested for another DUI
- And more, depending on your state and your specific program regulations
Some states still restrict when and where you can drive. Going outside those set parameters would also be considered a program violation.
Penalties for Ignition Interlock Device Violations
Individual state rules will vary with regard to penalties. Some states are more lenient and may give you a second, or even a third chance. Other states impose penalties on the first violation. Penalties can include:
- Increase in the length of time you are required to have the device installed
- Revocation of your restricted license
- Removal of the device and losing your driving privileges
- Having to fill your full suspension
- Fines
- Revocation of parole depending on the violation
- Jail time depending on the violation
- And more
If you play by the rules, you should be able to complete your restricted driving program on time, with no additional legal fees or fines.
If You Have Questions or Don’t Think You Violated the Rules
If you still have questions about what happens if you violate your interlock device, or you don’t think you violated the rules at all, you may want to consult with your DUI lawyer. You can also talk with your probation officer about trying to straighten things out so you don’t get in trouble.
At ALCOLOCK, our goal is to help you quickly and easily complete your restricted driving program. As long as you make it to your scheduled service visits, pay the service fees, and don’t try and tamper with the device, we’re good.
Schedule Your Ignition Interlock Device Installation
For your convenience, ALCOLOCK has service locations across the country. To schedule your ignition interlock device installation, just call the service location nearest you. Or you can call ALCOLOCK directly at (866) 700-9300. When you choose your service center, keep in mind that where you get the device installed is where you will go for your service visits. So check the hours of operation, and decide if closer to work or your home is better.
When you call, please have your court or administrative paperwork with you, as we will need some of that information. You will want to plan on the installation appointment lasting about an hour. The time includes the physical installation of the device, and training you how to use it. Your technician will also explain what all of the lights, sounds, and messages mean. You will also schedule your first service visit.
Interlock Device Service Visits
Depending on what state you live in, and the specifics of your DUI offense, you will be required to bring your vehicle in for service visits every 30-60 days. At each of these visits, the technician will check to ensure the IID is working properly, and recalibrate if needed. They will also download all of the information the device has recorded since your last service visit, and transmit that to your monitoring agency. Each service visit lasts about 20 minutes.