Can I DIY an Ignition Interlock Device Installation?
If you’ve been convicted of a drunk driving offense, you might be required to install an ignition interlock device. Currently, 33 states and Washington, D.C., require all offenders to install a device as part of reinstating a revoked or suspended license, and the remaining 17 states have an IID law in place.
Drivers who are skilled at vehicle maintenance might prefer to purchase and install an ignition interlock themselves. However, a state-certified IID provider must install your device in order to satisfy legal requirements.
The provider, such as Intoxalock, works with your state’s monitoring authority to ensure you comply with your IID requirements to reinstate your license. If you attempt to purchase and install your own device, your state’s monitoring authority will not consider you in compliance with the law, which could prevent you from regaining full licensure.
State-certified Devices
Ignition interlock laws vary from state to state, but all states require you to install an approved device that meets certain criteria. Intoxalock’s devices are certified in every state, meaning they meet, and sometimes exceed, all state requirements. The devices employ fuel cell technology that accurately and reliably record your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) every time you provide a breath sample.
The devices are backed with 24/7 customer support that works with each state’s monitoring authority to ensure customers stay in compliance with their IID requirement and provide the state with the monitoring results.
Because you will need the ignition interlock only temporarily, you will sign a contract to lease the device for the amount of time needed to satisfy your court order. There’s no need to purchase a device outright.
Trained Installers
An IID must be installed by a trained professional who understands not only the components of your vehicle and its wiring but also how the device integrates into your vehicle. Intoxalock has more than 2,600 installation locations nationwide with trained professionals who are experienced with installing the devices and will teach you how to use your device properly.
Certified installers’ expertise helps ensure there’s no damage to your vehicle during the installation process. The installation center also provides the Certificate of Installation that, in many states, you must submit to your monitoring authority as proof of installation.
A trained installer will also know how to remove the device from your vehicle, ensuring your vehicle is in working order once your IID requirement is satisfied and ensuring that you do not damage the device. Devices damaged by customers attempted removal may result in damage charges on the customer's account.
Monitoring Authority
Each state has a monitoring authority — the court system, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, probation officer, etc. — that oversees the state ignition interlock program. The monitoring authority works with you and Intoxalock to ensure compliance.
Each state, and sometimes each monitoring authority, has its own requirements for what information is included on an IID report. Information communicated can include the time that a sample was submitted, the BrAC level of every sample, any evidence of device tampering, completed or missed calibration, lockouts, photo verification and more.
While you might have the skills to install your own device, you will need to work with a provider that can help you comply with your state’s requirements. Choose a company with a trusted reputation, reliable state-approved devices and 24/7 customer support.
We Can Help
For help understanding your state’s requirements, chat with our Intoxalock customer support team via web chat. Visit our support page and click on the blue rectangle that says “Questions? Chat Now.” Or if you are a current client, you can also use the chat feature in the Intoxalock Mobile App to speak with customer support.
For more information about an Intoxalock ignition interlock device, call our state specialists at 833-623-0200.
