Planning a Long Road Trip with an Ignition Interlock Device
Planning a road trip is always an exciting adventure, filled with the promise of new experiences and unforgettable memories. If you have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle, a little extra planning can ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free. Here are some tips to help you navigate your trip with confidence:
1. Understand Your IID Requirements
Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with the requirements and regulations of your ignition interlock device. Each state has different laws regarding IID usage, so it's essential to know your responsibilities to avoid any legal issues during your trip.
If you're traveling with others, inform them about your IID and how it works. Explain the importance of following IID procedures, such as random retests, to ensure everyone's safety and compliance during the trip.
Sharing driving responsibilities on the road? Not a problem! Take a quick note on your phone, record a selfie video, or jot the time down in a notebook when others are driving the vehicle. Even if you aren’t the one driving, you’ll still be responsible for any missed retests or positive results that might happen. Having documentation of the times others were driving your vehicle and providing samples can be helpful.
2. Regular Calibration
Make sure your IID is properly maintained and calibrated before you embark on your trip. Take advantage of early calibration if your state allows it and start your trip with peace of mind.
If you’re unable to calibrate your device before you leave, many states allow for out-of-state calibration. See the chart below to check if your state allows for early or out of state calibration.
| State | Allows Out-of-State Calibration? *as of June 2024 |
Allows Early Calibration? *as of June 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes, up to 14 days early if there's no lockout |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| California | No | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Florida | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Georgia | No | Yes, up to 5 days and customer not in lockout Must be at least 26 days apart from previous calibration |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Illinois | Monitoring Device Driving Permit – Yes Restricted Driving Permit – No, unless customer resides out of state |
Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Kansas | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Kentucky | No, unless customer resides out of state | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Maine | Yes, but only with approval from the Secretary of State | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Maryland | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes, up to 5 days early if there's no lockout |
| Michigan | No | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Minnesota | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Mississippi | No | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Montana | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Nebraska | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| New York | Yes, if customer resides out of state | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| North Carolina | No | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| North Dakota | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Oklahoma | Yes, but can only be completed at a certified Intoxalock service center. | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes, up to 5 days early if there's no lockout |
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| South Dakota | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Tennessee | Yes, if Intoxalock is an approved vendor in the state the customer is requesting the calibration take place in. | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Texas | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Utah | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Washington | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
| Voluntary users | Yes | Yes, up to 10 days early if there’s no lockout |
3. Know Your Route
Mapping out your route in advance makes for a smoother journey. There are lots of free apps and tools that you can use to create the ideal route for your trip. Be sure to also map out some Intoxalock service center locations in case you need assistance with your device. No matter where you are on the road, you’re most likely less than 15 minutes away from an Intoxalock location.
4. Pack Extra Supplies
Bring extra mouthpieces for your device in case you need to swap them out, especially if you’ll be having others drive your vehicle. Contact Intoxalock customer service to order additional mouthpieces.
5. Create a Contact List
Unexpected events can happen on the road. Create a list of emergency contact numbers that you can keep in your glove box in case you are unable to access your phone or cell service.
Enjoy the Journey
Finally, don't let the presence of an IID overshadow the excitement of your road trip. With proper planning and preparation, you can enjoy your journey while remaining compliant with IID requirements. We hope these tips can help you have a fun and worry-free road trip. If you have any questions or concerns, Intoxalock’s 24/7 customer support is available via phone and chat to help.
