What if I was ordered to get an Ignition Interlock Device by the court and the DMV?

There are two ways an ignition interlock device can be imposed on you: either a court ordered ignition interlock device or a DMV ordered ignition interlock device. No matter which one orders you to install the ignition interlock device, you’ll be in steady contact with the DMV because the DMV registers your information once you are required to install the ignition interlock device. If they do not receive a notice that you have installed it the DMV will flag your license so that authorities know you are driving without a license.

If you have been convicted of a DUI in the state of California, you will likely have to have an ignition interlock device installed. If it is your first DUI you will have to install an ignition interlock device if the DUI was received in Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Tulare. Once you are convicted you will have to have an ignition interlock device installed by an authorized retailer. You will also have to provide the court with proof of your installation through an authorized dealer. The court will then monitor your ignition interlock device reports that are provided by the authorized ignition interlock company.

The DMV will be informed by the court that you must install an ignition interlock device. Once you have installed the ignition interlock device the DMV will place a mark on your record, informing law enforcement of the ignition interlock device requirement in the event you are pulled over. The DMV will also place a restriction on your driver’s license that could limit to you to only driving to and from work. If at any point you are failing to comply with the court-ordered ignition interlock device restriction, the court will alert the DMV and they will suspend your license until the entire situation is sorted out. You could be without your driving privileges for the extent of your DUI probation.

The DMV is required to enforce any ignition interlock device requirement ordered by the court. You will be required to communicate the installation of your ignition interlock device with the DMV, and then you will also be responsible for keeping your ignition interlock device in good working condition and regularly calibrated. For a DMV-ordered ignition interlock device restriction you will have 30 days from the mail date of the order of installment to either submit verification of installation, or the ignition interlock device exemption form.

If you are ordered to install an ignition interlock device by either the court or the DMV you will want to stay in constant contact with them to be sure you are completing everything as necessary. It is very important that you get the ignition interlock device installed within the allotted time, and that you keep up with the calibrations. If you do not follow the necessary steps you may find yourself with a suspended license, and that will be tougher to get back. A restricted license can be frustrating, and so can the ignition interlock device, but it will be worth it to have your license back, at least in some capacity. It will also help prevent you from drinking and driving again.