If you’ve been charged with a DUI or DWI, you might be wondering about the legal requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) in your state. Understanding state-specific regulations is crucial to stay compliant with the law. Here you can find information on which states require Ignition Interlock Devices, the laws surrounding them, and the importance of adhering to these requirements.
Understanding All-Offender IID Laws
In an effort to enhance road safety and prevent drunk driving incidents, many states have implemented “All-Offender IID laws.” These laws mandate the installation of Ignition Interlock Devices for all individuals convicted of DUI or DWI offenses, regardless of whether it’s their first offense or subsequent ones. These laws aim to deter repeat offenses.
States Requiring Ignition Interlock Devices
Let’s take a closer look at the states that currently require the use of Ignition Interlock Devices as part of their DUI or DWI sentencing. Please note that laws and requirements can change over time, so it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date regulations in your state.
As of July 2023, the following states have IID requirements:
Alabama
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlocks are mandatory for DUIs with a high BAC (0.15 and above), if you refused to provide BAC, or if a child under 14 years old was present. An IID is required if someone besides the offender was injured at the time of the DUI and any repeat convictions.
Alaska
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all convictions in Alaska. You may be required to have an IID between 6 months to 18 months.
Arizona
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in Arizona. You’re typically required to have an Ignition Interlock installed for a year.
Arkansas
Always Required: No
You may be able to install Ignition Interlock Device if you qualify for an Ignition Interlock Restricted license.
California
Always Required: No
Installing an Ignition Interlock in California is mandatory for all repeat and injury-involved offenses, first-time injury or vehicular manslaughter charges. You may not be required to install an Ignition Interlock if this is your first DUI charge.
Colorado
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are not mandatory for all DUI charges in Colorado. However, they are required for high BAC (0.15 and above) and repeat convictions. Additionally, they are often required by state judges or the state authorities for first convictions, meaning you may opt for installing an IID to reduce other penalties.
Connecticut
Always Required: No
In Connecticut, Ignition Interlock Devices are often required by state judges or the state authorities for all DUI convictions. Opting for an IID may allow you to regain some driving privileges during your license suspension period.
Delaware
Always Required: No
Delaware often requires the use of Ignition Interlock Devices for all DUI convictions. Installing an IID may help you regain your driving privilege, especially if it’s your first offense.
Florida
Always Required: No
Installing an Ignition Interlock Device is not mandatory for all DUI charges in Florida. However, it becomes mandatory upon a second or third conviction if you qualify for a permanent or restricted license, if there are other extenuating circumstances, or if a person under 18 years of age was present during the offense.
Georgia
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in Georgia. You will need to install an IID as part of your sentencing requirements.
Hawaii
Always Required: Yes
In Hawaii, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions. You will be required to install an IID as part of your sentence.
Idaho
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in Idaho. You will need to have an IID installed to comply with the law.
Illinois
Always Required: Yes
In Illinois, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions, even first convictions. Opting for an IID may reduce the length of your driver’s license suspension period and other penalties.
Indiana
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for repeat DUI convictions in Indiana. If you have multiple DUI offenses, installing an IID will be required as part of your sentencing. They may not be required for first time DUI charges.
Iowa
Always Required: No
In Iowa, Ignition Interlock Devices are often required by state judges or the state authorities for all DUI convictions. Choosing to install an IID may help you regain some driving privileges during your license suspension period.
Kansas
Always Required: No
In Kansas, Ignition Interlock Devices are often required by state judges or the state authorities for all DUI convictions. Opting for an IID may allow you to have restricted driving privileges during your license revocation period.
Kentucky
Always Required: Yes
In Kentucky, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI charges in Kentucky. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentencing.
Louisiana
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in Louisiana. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentencing.
Maine
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are often required by state judges or the state authorities for all DUI convictions in Maine. Choosing to install an IID may help you regain some driving privileges during your license suspension period.
Maryland
Always Required: Yes
In Maryland, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
Massachusetts
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for repeat DUI convictions in Massachusetts. If you have multiple DUI offenses, installing an IID will be required as part of your sentencing.
Michigan
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for DUI convictions with high BAC (0.17) and repeat convictions. If you fall under these categories, installing an IID will be required.
Minnesota
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are often required by state judges or the state authorities for DUI convictions with high BAC (0.16) and repeat offenses. Opting for an IID may reduce your license suspension period and other penalties.
Mississippi
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in Mississippi. You will need to have an IID installed to comply with the law.
Missouri
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for repeat DUI convictions in Missouri. If you have multiple DUI offenses, installing an IID will be required as part of your sentencing.
Montana
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for repeat DUI convictions in Montana. If you have multiple DUI offenses, installing an IID will be required as part of your sentencing.
Nebraska
Always Required: Yes
In Nebraska, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
Nevada
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in Nevada. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
New Hampshire
Always Required: Yes
In New Hampshire, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
New Jersey
Always Required: Yes
In New Jersey, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
New Mexico
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in New Mexico. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
New York
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in New York. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
North Carolina
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for DUI convictions with high BAC (.15 or higher) and repeat offenses in North Carolina. If you fall under these categories, installing an IID will be required.
North Dakota
Always Required: No
The use of Ignition Interlock Devices is discretionary in North Dakota, meaning it may be required at the court’s discretion based on the specifics of the DUI case.
Ohio
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for repeat DUI convictions in Ohio. If you have multiple DUI offenses, installing an IID will be required as part of your sentencing.
Oklahoma
Always Required: No
In Oklahoma, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for DUI convictions with high BAC (0.15 and above) and repeat offenses. For first convictions, installing an IID is often required by state judges or the state authorities, which may reduce your license suspension period.
Oregon
Always Required: Yes
In Oregon, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions and diversions. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence or diversion program.
Pennsylvania
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for DUI convictions with high BAC (.10 or higher) and repeat offenses in Pennsylvania. If you fall under these categories, installing an IID will be required.
Rhode Island
Always Required: Yes
In Rhode Island, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
South Carolina
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in South Carolina. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
South Dakota
Always Required: No
The use of Ignition Interlock Devices is discretionary in South Dakota, meaning it may be required at the court’s discretion based on the specifics of the DUI case.
Tennessee
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for repeat DUI convictions in Tennessee. If you have multiple DUI offenses, installing an IID will be required as part of your sentencing. Additionally, installing an IID is often required by state judges or the state authorities for first convictions.
Texas
Always Required: No
In Texas, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all repeat DUI convictions. If you have multiple DUI offenses, installing an IID will be required as part of your sentencing.
Utah
Always Required: Yes
In Utah, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for repeat DUI convictions. For first convictions, installing an IID is often required by state judges or the state authorities, which may reduce your license suspension period.
Vermont
Always Required: No
In Vermont, Ignition Interlock Devices are often required by state judges or the state authorities for all DUI convictions. Opting for an IID may help you regain some driving privileges during your license suspension period.
Virginia
Always Required: No
In Virginia, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for repeat DUI convictions. For first convictions, installing an IID is often required by state judges or the state authorities, which may reduce your license suspension period.
Washington
Always Required: Yes
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions in Washington. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
Washington D.C.
Always Required: Yes
In D.C., Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for all DUI convictions. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
West Virginia
Always Required: No
In West Virginia, Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for DUI convictions with high BAC (.15 or higher) and repeat offenses. You will need to have an IID installed as part of your sentence.
Wisconsin
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for DUI convictions with high BAC (.15 or higher) and repeat offenses in Wisconsin. If you fall under these categories, installing an IID will be required.
Wyoming
Always Required: No
Ignition Interlock Devices are mandatory for DUI convictions with high BAC (.15 or higher) and repeat offenses in Wyoming. If you fall under these categories, installing an IID will be required.
Ignition Interlock Exemptions
While many states have strict IID laws, some offer exemptions under specific circumstances. These exemptions may vary from state to state and could include factors such as the type of motor vehicle, medical conditions, or other legal considerations. It’s essential to consult with legal experts or your local authorities to understand if you qualify for any exemptions in your state. Check your state’s regulations on how many Interlock violations you can have to ensure you don’t extend your license restriction.
Obtaining and Installing an Ignition Interlock Device
If your state requires an IID as part of your DUI or DWI sentence, the next step is to obtain and install a reliable device. Additionally, choose the right device for you and your program requirements, as there are different types of Ignition Interlock devices. Beware of the common Ignition Interlock device problems and make sure you choose a provider with the latest technology. Smart Start provides state-of-the-art Ignition Interlock devices that meet all necessary regulations. Once you’ve chosen Smart Start as your IID provider, the installation process is quick and straightforward. Our team will guide you through the setup, ensuring you have a clear understanding of how the device works.
Why Choose Smart Start
Smart Start has everything you need for Ignition Interlock. We have been a top Ignition Interlock Provider since 1992, with thousands of locations in the U.S. You’ll always get fast installation by knowledgeable technicians at a service center that’s close to you. That includes hands-on training so you’re comfortable using your device.
How to Get an Ignition Interlock Installed
Start by scheduling an installation appointment. Just call (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form. Our Customer Care advocates can ensure that you comply with all your IID state laws and requirements.
Complying with State IID Laws
At Smart Start, we understand the importance of complying with state IID laws. Each state’s requirements can vary, and it’s crucial to stay informed to ensure your compliance. Remember, installing an Ignition Interlock device is not just a legal obligation; it’s a responsible step towards expanding public safety on the road. If you have any questions or need assistance with an IID, don’t hesitate to contact Smart Start, your reliable partner in Ignition Interlock solutions.
The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Individuals and entities referencing this page are encouraged to consult with their own legal counsel and their state authority. Some information may be dated and may not reflect the most current legal developments. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.
Sources:
- National Conference of State Legislatures. State Ignition Interlock Laws. https://www.ncsl.org/transportation/state-ignition-interlock-laws
- Governors Highway Safety Association. Alcohol Impaired Driving. https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/alcohol%20impaired%20driving
- Governors Highway Safety Association. Alcohol-Impaired Driving Laws by State Updated June 2023. https://www.ghsa.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/DrunkDrivingLaws_0623.pdf