Can I Use My Company Car When I’m Ignition Interlock-Restricted?

In general, when you need an Ignition Interlock, your court or state order specifies that the device must be in a car you own or operate.

So, what happens if you drive a vehicle from your company, and you use it to travel for work-related purposes?

Ignition Interlock Work Vehicle Exemptions

Some states have a work exemption in place for this reason. In these instances, clients can drive their employer’s vehicle without an Ignition Interlock if they are granted this exemption. In most cases, the vehicle in question must be owned, leased and maintained by the employer. The vehicle should also never be driven for personal use. Typically, there will be a number of hours, days and locations in which you are allowed to drive the company car without an Ignition Interlock.

Examples of States’ Ignition Interlock Work Exemptions

In some states such as California, Illinois and Oregon, they’ll allow you to drive an employer’s vehicle without an Ignition Interlock under certain conditions. Keep in mind, however, that your state may not allow for a work exemption like this at all.

Washington also allows a work vehicle exemption. Their law states that, “the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device is not necessary on vehicles owned by a person’s employer and driven as a requirement of employment during working hours.” An Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Exemption form needs to be signed by the employer and provided to the Washington State Department of Licensing office. If one signs this form, however, an Ignition Interlock should be installed in their personal vehicle.

These Interlock-exempt regulations only apply to work-related situations and if your state allows it. To drive without an Ignition Interlock during your court or state order, your situation needs to fall under an employer exemption guideline. And that’s if the state allows an employer exemption at all. If you want to use your significant other’s or a friend’s vehicle, you will violate your program requirements.

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Need to install an Ignition Interlock? Call our Customer Care Center today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form.