Ignition Interlock Device Guide: Costs, Requirements & Removal

You get your letter: reinstatement is approved, but only if you install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle immediately.

You've probably heard the term before. But what exactly is it? How does it work? And how much is this going to cost you?

For many DUI offenders, an ignition interlock device (IID) is a non-negotiable part of reinstatement. It's also one of the most misunderstood requirements. Let's break it down.

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer-like machine installed in your car. Before your vehicle will start, you must provide a breath sample. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above the legal limit (typically 0.02%), the vehicle won't start.

That's it. That's the whole point: preventing drunk driving at the ignition.

It's not a tracking device (though some have GPS). It's not punitive beyond the obvious. It's simply a mechanical barrier between you and driving if alcohol is detected.

How the IID Works in Practice

Before You Drive

1. You get in the car and insert the car key or press the button to start
2. The vehicle prompts you: "Blow into the device."
3. You provide a breath sample (usually 5-6 seconds)
4. The device analyzes your BAC instantly
5. If BAC is below 0.02%: Your car starts normally
6. If BAC is at/above 0.02%: Your car won't start. You hear a beep or warning. You have to wait (typically 5-15 minutes) before retrying.

Random Re-tests While Driving

This is the part that surprises people. Once your car is running, the device doesn't just sit idle. Throughout your drive, at random intervals (typically every 5-30 minutes), the device beeps and prompts you to provide another sample.

Why? To prevent you from driving around sober after startup, then getting drunk at a bar.

You have about 5 minutes to respond to the prompt. If you don't provide a sample, the device:

• Logs a violation
• Flashes the lights
• Honks the horn
• Records the failure in the device's data log

Violations during your interlock period are serious. Accumulate too many and your license suspension can be extended or reinstatement denied.

Monthly Data Download

Every 30 days, you drive to the interlock provider's office. A technician downloads the device's data log, looking for:

• How many times you started the car
• Any instances where you failed a breath test
• Any missed re-test prompts
• Any device tampering attempts

This data is reported to your court/DMV. A single failed test or missed prompt can extend your interlock period or impact your reinstatement case.

Who Has to Install an IID?

Not everyone with a suspended license needs an IID. It's typically required only for:

• DUI/DWI convictions: Nearly all states require it
• Repeat offenders: Absolutely required; sometimes at a lower BAC threshold
• High BAC offenses: Some states require it if your BAC was very high (0.15%+)
• Causing injury while impaired: Almost always required

Suspensions for unpaid tickets, reckless driving, or minor violations typically don't require an IID.

Check your sentencing documents or reinstatement letter. It will specify whether an IID is required and when you need to install it.

How Much Does an IID Cost?

This is the hard number people want. Here's what to expect:

Installation Fee: $100-$250

One-time cost to have the device installed and calibrated in your vehicle. Varies by provider.

Monthly Lease/Service Fee: $50-$100/month

This covers:

• Device use and monitoring
• Monthly data downloads
• Device calibration checks
• Support and service line access

Removal Fee: $100-$150

One-time cost when your interlock period ends and the device is uninstalled.

Violation Fees: $50-$100+ per violation

If you fail a breath test, miss a re-test, or attempt to tamper with the device, expect additional charges.

Total Cost Example

For a 12-month interlock requirement:

• Installation: $150
• Monthly (12 × $75): $900
• Removal: $125
• Total: ~$1,175 (before violations)

Longer requirements (18-24+ months) can easily run $1,500-$2,500.

Many providers allow payment plans. Ask about spreading costs over several months if upfront fees are tight.

Where to Get an IID Installed

You don't choose the device—your state/court assigns approved vendors. Common national providers include:

• SCRAM Systems
• Guardian Interlock
• Intoxalock
• Draeger Interlock
• LifeSafer

Your court documents or reinstatement letter should specify which provider(s) are approved in your state.

Call them directly to:

• Confirm their service area covers your location
• Schedule installation
• Understand their specific fees (they vary slightly)
• Learn their data reporting procedures

Critical Rules: Don't Break These

Rule #1: Never Try to Cheat or Bypass the Device

People have tried everything: breathing machine air into tubes, getting someone else to blow into the device, attempting to disable it.

Don't. Here's why:

• Modern devices detect tampering attempts
• Any tampering is reported to the court immediately
• Your license suspension can be extended by years
• You may face additional criminal charges
• Your reinstatement case will be significantly harmed

Rule #2: Show Up for Monthly Check-ins

Mark your calendar. Every 30 days, go to the provider's office for the data download. Missing appointments:

• Results in reported violations
• May extend your interlock period
• Could jeopardize reinstatement

If you can't make an appointment, call ahead and reschedule.

Rule #3: Never Drive Under the Influence

This seems obvious, but one failed breath test logs a violation that:

• Extends your interlock requirement (typically by months)
• May result in additional charges
• Significantly harms your reinstatement hearing case

The whole point of the interlock is accountability. A failed test shows you're not taking sobriety seriously. And the court will see it.

Rule #4: Maintain Your Vehicle

If your car breaks down and needs service, notify the interlock provider. They may need to:

• Remove the device temporarily
• Reinstall it after repairs
• Monitor the timing so it doesn't count against you

Don't just remove it yourself. That's tampering.

How Long Do You Have to Keep It?

Requirement duration varies by state, offense, and your behavior:

• First offense DUI: Typically 6-12 months
• Repeat DUI: Often 12-24+ months
• No violations during the period: Might finish early
• Multiple violations: May face extension of 3-6+ months

Your sentencing documents or reinstatement letter will specify your required duration.

Don't assume you can remove it when you think your time is up. Contact your provider and court to confirm the exact end date. Removing it early is a violation.

Getting Your Device Removed

Once your interlock period ends:

1. Confirm with your court/DMV that your period is officially complete
2. Contact your provider to schedule removal
3. Pay the removal fee (typically $100-$150)
4. Have the device professionally uninstalled
5. Get written confirmation that removal is complete and reported to the court

Don't skip the written confirmation step. You need documentation that the device was removed by the assigned date. Your court/DMV will want proof.

Impact on Your Reinstatement Case

Your compliance with the interlock during this period is critical to your reinstatement hearing.

If you go 6-12 months without violations, the hearing judge will see that as:

• "This person can be trusted to make safe choices."
• "They're taking sobriety seriously."
• "They've complied with the system."

If you have multiple violations, the judge sees:

• "This person doesn't respect the consequences."
• "They're still making poor choices."
• "I shouldn't reinstate their license."

Your interlock period is evidence. Use it strategically. Build a record of sobriety and compliance. Bring that record to your reinstatement hearing.

Moving Forward

An ignition interlock device is temporary. It's annoying. It's expensive. But it's also proof that you're serious about change.

Get it installed, follow the rules strictly, show up for check-ins, and stay sober. Six to twelve months of clean compliance and you're through it.

Then use that clean record to convince a judge to give you your driving privilege back.