Ignition Interlock Cameras: Why They Are Required and How Privacy Is Protected
If your state requires an ignition interlock device with a camera, understanding how it works can make compliance easier and help protect your privacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Many states now require ignition interlock devices with cameras to verify who provides each breath sample.
- Camera images help to clear up any disputed violations.
- Intoxalock® devices protect your privacy by taking photos during required triggering events, such as test prompts and a violation. These triggers vary by state.
If you’re arrested or convicted of drunk driving, such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Operating Under the Influence (OUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), your state may allow you to regain your driving privileges with certain conditions in place.
One of those conditions may include installing an ignition interlock device (IID), sometimes called a car breathalyzer. An ignition interlock device is a small handheld unit that connects to your vehicle’s ignition system. You blow into the device before starting your car. If your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) is below the state’s limit, your vehicle will start.
Depending on your state’s requirements, you may need an interlock device with a camera. Questions about when the camera activates and what it records are valid. Understanding the requirements can keep your mind at ease and your privacy secure.
This blog isn't considered legal advice; always consult with a qualified DUI attorney if you have specific questions. If you're convicted of a DUI and need to learn more about ignition interlocks, call our team at (888) 283-5899.
Do All Ignition Interlock Devices Have Cameras?
Whether or not your ignition interlock device will have a camera depends on your state’s requirements. The camera verifies that you are the person providing each breath sample and supports accurate reporting to your monitoring authority, such as your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), probation office, or ignition interlock program. As technology and state programs evolved, camera-equipped ignition interlock devices have become standard in many areas across the country.
If your state, county, or court requires a camera-equipped device, Intoxalock will provide one that includes a small, discreet camera that mounts on your windshield. The camera captures a photo every time a state-required trigger prompts the device. These triggers vary by state law. Examples of possible photo triggers in your state may include:
- Vehicle start
- When prompted for a sample
- Providing a sample
- If a violation is detected
Intoxalock will verify your ignition interlock device and camera meet your state requirements. The Intoxalock IID does not record video or take random pictures when the device is not in use.
If you have questions about your state’s requirements, call an Intoxalock State Specialist at (888) 283-5899. Our friendly and reliable team members will help you get the information you need.
States That Require Car Breathalyzers with Cameras
Currently, these states have IID with camera requirements:
- Arizona
- Arkansas (only if court ordered)
- California (only if court ordered)
- Colorado
- Connecticut (requested by probation or court ordered)
- Delaware
- District of Columbia*
- Florida
- Idaho
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana (only if court ordered)
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana (only if court ordered)
- Maine (only if court ordered)
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi (only if court ordered)
- Missouri (only if required by the court or Department of Revenue)
- Montana (only if court ordered)
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico (only if court ordered)
- New York
- Ohio (only if court ordered)
- Oklahoma (only if court ordered)
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania (only if court ordered)
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas (varies by county)
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
*Washington, D.C., operates its own ignition interlock program through the DMV. States may require drivers to install an ignition interlock device with a camera as part of a restricted license or reinstatement process.
Verify your current state requirements before installation, as laws and technology change. You can also talk with an Intoxalock State Specialist who understands your state’s program and can provide a personal quote at (888) 283-5899.
Why Are More States Requiring Car Breathalyzers With Cameras?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates more states are adding camera requirements to improve compliance with ignition interlock programs and reduce recidivism. The camera confirms you are the person providing each breath sample and prevents confusion if someone else uses your vehicle.
If another person in your household drives the car or attempts to take a test, the camera image provides proof of who actually gave the breath sample. The device records all test results, no matter who provides the sample. If someone else fails or skips a test using your vehicle, the violation still appears on your compliance record, but the camera photo clarifies what happened when your monitoring authority reviews your report.
In some states, an inaccurate or missed test may be flagged as an interlock camera violation. Clear photo verification through your device documents exactly who was behind the wheel, preventing unnecessary penalties. Intoxalock ignition interlock devices with cameras protect you from false violations and give authorities the full picture when reviewing results.
How Ignition Interlock Device Cameras Work
When a certified technician installs your ignition interlock device with a camera, they position the camera discreetly while ensuring a clear photo is captured of the driver. Some state regulations require a clear photo of the cabin of the vehicle, which is beyond just the driver.
This placement allows the camera to capture a clear photo each time someone takes a required breath test. Other licensed drivers may use your vehicle, but each person must provide their breath sample and have their photo taken for verification.
Your state’s ignition interlock program or court-ordered monitoring requirement may consider blocking, covering, or moving the camera as tampering. These actions could lead to violations or penalties. The driver’s face must remain visible to the camera during testing to ensure accurate reporting.
If you have questions about installation, camera placement, or IID costs, Intoxalock technicians and State Specialists are available to explain your options and help you stay compliant.
Who Ends up on the Ignition Interlock Device Camera?
If someone else uses your vehicle, the camera records their photo instead, which helps document who took each test and when.
Example: If a family member starts your vehicle to warm it up, their photo will appear in your report, showing that you weren’t the person testing.
Privacy and Data Protection Concerns
Privacy is a common concern for many drivers, and Intoxalock takes it seriously. The camera captures only what is necessary for compliance.
The device encrypts each photo and transmits it securely to your monitoring authority. Only authorized officials can access your records, and photos are used exclusively for compliance review. The camera itself does not include livestream or continuous video recording features. Some states may require limited GPS capability for location verification, but this feature is used only for compliance and never for real-time tracking.
Each image taken by the Intoxalock camera is stored securely and transmitted through encrypted channels. These Intoxalock camera pictures are used only for compliance purposes and never shared publicly.
If you ever feel uncertain about what your device records, our customer support team is available 24/7 to explain how your ignition interlock device with a camera protects both your privacy and your compliance record.
Protecting Your Car Battery
Since your ignition interlock device stays connected to your vehicle’s electrical system, it is important to maintain your car battery to avoid power-related issues. The device uses very little power, similar to a car alarm system, and includes a battery-saving sleep mode that limits power use when your car sits idle. However, long periods without driving can still cause the battery to drain.
To keep your vehicle running smoothly:
- Start your car regularly, especially in cold weather.
- Avoid disconnecting your IID or its camera.
- If your vehicle needs long-term storage or repair, contact Intoxalock® for guidance.
- If your car needs mechanical work, notify Intoxalock ahead of time and share official instructions with your mechanic. This helps prevent potential tampering charges if the IID loses power during service.
Call our 24/7 customer service line before jump-starting or disconnecting your IID if your battery dies. Our team will walk you through the safest steps to protect your data and your device. If you’re enrolled in Intoxalock Motor Club, you can also request a battery jump-start, towing, or roadside assistance for extra peace of mind.
Not Sure If You Need an IID With a Camera? We Can Help.
Your IID camera is there to provide evidence and help to clear up any disputed violations. It only takes a photo when a driver is taking an IID test. If you are unsure whether your state requires an ignition interlock device with a camera, Intoxalock can guide you through your options.
Talk to a State Specialist at (888) 283-5899 today for guidance from installation to completion.
FAQs About IIDs With Cameras
Do interlock devices have cameras?
Many states now require ignition interlock devices with cameras to confirm that the correct person provides each breath sample. The camera takes photos during required triggering events, such as test prompts and a violation. These triggers vary by state. Not every state requires this feature, so check your program details or ask an Intoxalock® State Specialist to confirm your requirements.
How does the camera work on an interlock?
You should never try to hide, cover, or move the ignition interlock camera. Doing so can be considered tampering and may result in a violation. The camera must stay in clear view to ensure accurate results and compliance with your state’s requirements.
How to hide an ignition interlock camera?
You should never try to hide, cover, or move the ignition interlock camera. Doing so can be considered tampering and may result in a violation. The camera must stay in clear view to ensure accurate results and compliance with your state’s requirements.
Does the interlock camera record all the time?
No. The interlock camera does not record audio or video, nor does it take random photos. When the car is off or not in use, the camera remains inactive.
