Interlock requirements can be imposed by more than one authority. Therefore, there can be more than one piece of paperwork for the driver. The driver may have a court order, a separate administrative notice issued by the licensing agency, and an insurance filing requirement. Each of these can have a start date and each can have its own definition of compliance.
The content on this page is designed to serve as a guide for a document of this nature. It is in no way a substitute for a proper consultation with a lawyer, or with the state agency responsible for licensing drivers in your state.
Where the requirement originates
These are two separate requirements for the Interlock device and can have two different dates and times of completion. These can be completed at the same time or completed at a later time.
Common trigger scenarios
- A first offense where the jurisdiction allows restricted driving in exchange for a monitored device rather than a full suspension.
- Repeat offenses, where the interlock term is typically mandatory and considerably longer.
- Refusal of chemical testing, which in many states carries its own administrative consequence independent of the underlying charge.
- Early reinstatement following a hard suspension, where the device functions as a condition of the restricted license.
- Probation or diversion conditions imposed at the discretion of the court.
- Reciprocity situations, where a driver licensed in one state must satisfy another state’s device requirement before privileges are restored.
Work vehicles can be subject to restrictions even though the driver is using the vehicle for work. The restrictions for work vehicles can be waived for driving done for work, but only for vehicles that are owned by the driver’s employer. Waiver for work vehicles is granted by the licensing agency for vehicles that are owned by the driver’s employer and for which the driver has received written acknowledgment of the waiver from their employer. However, the waiver does not extend to vehicles that are owned in whole or in part by the driver.
What installation involves beyond the wiring
Typical work for the installation of an interlock device in a passenger vehicle can be completed within 1-2 hours. The work required for the installation of an interlock device can be reversed with no damage to the vehicle’s electrical system or wiring. No cutting of the vehicle’s factory wiring is required.
Vehicle suitability
Push-button starters, hybrid vehicles, and other vehicles that frequently engage and disengage (i.e. Perform frequent stop-starts) require specialized knowledge and experience to service. Diesel engines with long glow plug cycles, for example, can trigger false trouble codes in older vehicles with marginal charging systems. For that reason, local drivers are usually best served by booking their ignition interlock device Redlands appointment with a shop whose technicians have hands-on experience with their specific vehicle make and model.
Starting the clock
Proof of interlock installation (Interlock Installation Certificate) must be submitted to the licensing agency as well as to the Court that ordered the interlock to be installed in the vehicle. Failure to report on time the installation of the interlock can cause a time gap during which the driver will be required to explain the reason for the delay in complying with the terms and conditions of his/her suspension.
Servicing intervals and the record they produce
An ignition interlock device (IID) monitors the driver of a vehicle and records all events that occur. The IID is installed by the technician and serviced at the time of the required calibration visit. If the required visit is missed, the driver may be locked out of his/her vehicle and a service call would be required to clear the lockout.
| Stage | Typical timing | What it produces | Common failure |
| Installation | Day one of the term | Certificate of installation, driver training record | Late filing with the agency |
| First calibration | 30 to 60 days | Initial data download, sensor calibration | Unexplained early violations |
| Routine service | Every 30 to 90 days by state rule | Monitoring report to court or agency | Missed appointment lockout |
| Violation review | As flagged | Written explanation, possible term extension | No supporting documentation |
| Removal | End of term, once authorized | De-installation certificate | Removal before written clearance |
How violations are generated and interpreted
However, most reported interlock violations are not a result of the initial test failing. The majority of reported interlock violations are the result of missing a rolling retest, tamper codes from a poorly installed interlock, and low readings due to contamination other than breath. Therefore, it is very important to know the different categories of interlock violations to respond to them properly.
- Mouth alcohol from mouthwash, breath spray, or certain medications, usually clearing on a retest minutes later.
- Fermentation products from bread, ripe fruit, or kombucha.
- Power interruptions logged as circumvention when a battery is replaced without notifying the provider.
- Missed rolling retests caused by heavy traffic or a driver declining to blow while moving.
Written documentation and records of services performed at the time of service of an interlock device are far more believable than records created weeks after the fact.
Choosing a provider and closing the term
Typically, State certification of an interlock installer is the minimum qualifying factor. Thus, key factors in selecting a qualified Redlands area installer for installation of an interlock device for a driver would include service, reporting, and, most importantly, ability to provide for lockout situations over a weekend.
Questions worth asking before signing
- How many service locations are within reasonable driving distance, and what are the weekend hours?
- Is roadside or mobile service available, and what does it cost?
- How are monitoring reports transmitted, and can the driver obtain a copy?
- What are the full charges, including installation, monthly lease, calibration, lockout clearing, and removal?
Removal
Early removal of an interlock is typically considered to be a violation of terms of a driver’s license restriction and will typically result in the term of restriction being reactivated for the full term of the restriction. The removal of an interlock from a vehicle would require written authorization from the court or the licensing agency that ordered the device to be installed in the first place.