We know that navigating an OUI can be overwhelming. Understanding the requirements and process after an alcohol related driving offense in Maine is an important step to getting back on the road. We’ve put together some general information to help you get started.
Smart Start Ignition Interlock: We’re Here For The Pine Tree State
An Ignition Interlock Device is your key to getting your transportation back after an OUI in Maine. Smart Start offers affordable, easy-to-use Ignition Interlocks, backed up with 24/7 support from a multilingual team of customer service experts.
We’ll help you find fast and affordable Interlock services near you, so you can get on the road and start living life again.
How do you get your license back in Maine after an OUI?
According to the Maine Secretary of State office, the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles will suspend your driver’s license after you get a DUI charge. This is an administrative suspension that can apply whether or not you’re convicted in court. To restore some driving privileges, you might be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device after a waiting period.
The following is general information, not legal advice, about the conditions you might have to complete before applying for a reinstated license.
Phase 1: Get Started
Consult Your Legal Counsel
License Hearing
Phase 2: Ignition Interlock Device
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Phase 3: Judicial Requirements
Assessment and Education
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Phase 4: Monitoring and Calibration
Service Appointments
Phase 5: Device Removal
Removal
Information as of August 28, 2025.
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Disclaimer
Please note that the information in the following sections is for general informational purposes only. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.
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Get In Touch With A Program Advisor Or Call (800) 831-3299 Now!Understanding Maine OUI Requirements
Basic OUI Requirements
For a driver with no previous OUI convictions within the past 10 years, Maine law can impose these potential penalties:
- Minimum $500 fine
- License suspension of at least 150 days
- Up to 96 hours in jail
- Participation in a Driver Education and Evaluation Program (DEEP)
Penalties are often higher for drivers with some aggravating factors, such as traveling with a passenger under 21 in the car or refusing a chemical test from law enforcement. You’ll also be subject to higher penalties, including potential felony charges, if you have more than one OUI in the past 10 years.
Remember that your administrative license suspension is a separate process that happens in addition the suspension imposed by the court. If your license is suspended by both authorities, you’ll serve whichever of the two suspensions is longer.
License Reinstatement
You’ll serve a waiting period on your license suspension during which you may not drive at all. For most drivers with no previous OUIs and no test refusals, this waiting period is 30 days, but it can be as long as four years for drivers with multiple previous OUIs. When the waiting period is over, you can apply for reinstatement with an Ignition Interlock Device.
To have your license reinstated, you’ll need to submit an application form to the BMV and pay a $50 fee. As noted on the form, you will need to have already completed your DEEP class through a DEEP-certified provider, and all of your court costs and fines must be paid. You can find more information from the Maine BMV here about where and how to pay. Once you receive a letter of approval from the BMV, you can have your IID installed by an approved provider, such as Smart Start.
How much does an Ignition Interlock Device cost in Maine?
Getting through a DUI can present all kinds of financial obstacles for Maine drivers, and Smart Start is committed to helping you find an affordable IID solution. We offer:
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Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors -
No long-term contracts required
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Affordable pricing
Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors You can learn more about the price of an Interlock Device near you in our cost guide for Maine.
Why Choose Smart Start in Maine?
Your OUI doesn’t have to define your life. With our knowledgeable Program Advisors who are ready to listen and address your needs, Smart Start is here to help you get on the road to a brighter future.
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No need to buy equipment or sign long-term contracts
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Dozens of service centers, often with same-day installation options
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24/7/365 multilingual customer support
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Easy-to-use Interlock Device technology
Maine FAQs
It’s important to thoroughly understand how IIDs work, and what you’ll need to do to stay in compliance with your program. Get fast answers to your most common questions about Interlocks in Maine.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 4 Topics
How Does It Work?
Show 11 Topics
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 3 Topics
How Can We Help?
Show 3 Topics
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID), also called a car breathalyzer, is a device that measures breath alcohol content (BrAC). It is typically installed in your vehicle as part of an administrative or legal requirement after drunk driving. Learn more about Smart Start's Ignition Interlock here.
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Maine releases a list of all of the approved Ignition Interlock Device providers in the state. Smart Start’s devices are tested to meet all standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), so you can rest assured that our devices are federally compliant.
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
No. The state of Maine dictates that you will only need to install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on the vehicle you intend to operate.
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
In the state of Maine, if you have an Ignition Interlock requirement, but you don’t own a vehicle, the state will require you to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on a borrowed vehicle, authorized by the owner of the vehicle.
What happens after I get my OUI?
Once you get your OUI in the state of Maine, the Secretary of State will immediately suspend your license. This suspension takes place prior to any court appearance, so while you’re waiting for your day in court, you won’t be driving. The Secretary of State may reinstate your driving privileges even if you’re a person convicted of an intoxicant-related offense as long as you satisfy all other conditions for license reinstatement and install an approved Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Installation of the Ignition Interlock Device is voluntary for early restoration in Maine. The Ignition Interlock Device must be installed within 14 days of the request from a person approved by the Bureau of Motor vehicles for installation of a device.
How do the consequences differ for a first and second OUI? Third? Fourth?
In the state of Maine, the consequences generally differ as follows:
- First OUI: Your license may be reinstated after serving 30 days of the 150-day suspension if you install and maintain a state-approved Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for the remaining term of suspension in the vehicle you operate. You may be required to pay a $500 fine.
- Second OUI: Your license may be reinstated after serving nine months of the three-year suspension if you install and maintain an approved Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a period of two years in the vehicle you operate. You may be required to pay a $700 fine and serve 7 days in jail.
- Third OUI: Your license may be reinstated after serving three years of the six-year suspension if you install and maintain a state-approved Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a period of three years in the vehicle you operate. You may be required to pay a $1,100 fine and serve 40 days in jail.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
In Maine, the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) must be installed within 14 days of your request once you’re approved by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to install an IID.
How often does my IID need to be calibrated?
According to Maine law, your Ignition Interlock Device must be scheduled for calibration 30 days after the initial installation and every 60 days after that.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock calibration?
Maine law states that you can calibrate your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at any authorized Smart Start service center nationwide.
How can I pay for calibration?
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Your Ignition Interlock Device provider will send a record of your service appointments to your monitoring authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you.
What happens if I violate?
If you violate in the state of Maine, your violation results in suspension of your license for the time periods set out in by the state and/or your monitoring authority.
What constitutes a violation in my state?
In the state of Maine, any and all of the following may constitute a violation:
- Evidence of circumventing, removing, or tampering with a device
- A registered BAC during a rolling re-test
- Failure to submit to a re-test that results in a permanent lock-out condition
- A missed service visit
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
A compatible camera and/or GPS is not required for installation in Maine.
Is the Ignition Interlock Device connected to my horn and lights?
Maine does not require the IID be connected to your vehicle’s horn and lights.
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
Once you have scheduled your Ignition Interlock Device installation in the state of Maine, you will need to bring the following to your ignition interlock installation appointment:
- Photo identification
- Title, auto insurance, the owner of vehicle, or authorization from the owner to have the Ignition Interlock Device installed into vehicle
- Consent to install form, if required
How do I know who my monitoring authority is?
In Maine, your monitoring authority is the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
How do I know what my state requires in an Ignition Interlock Device?
For a more comprehensive list of Maine’s requirements for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), please visit http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/iid.html.
What do I need for removal?
In order to remove your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in Maine, you will need authorization from the state.
Does the device hurt my vehicle?
No, the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation is performed by trained professionals. Your vehicle will be put back in the condition it came in when the device is removed
Can I get one on my motorcycle?
Yes, Smart Start does install Ignition Interlock Devices on motorcycles in the state of Maine.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 4 Topics
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID), also called a car breathalyzer, is a device that measures breath alcohol content (BrAC). It is typically installed in your vehicle as part of an administrative or legal requirement after drunk driving. Learn more about Smart Start's Ignition Interlock here.
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Maine releases a list of all of the approved Ignition Interlock Device providers in the state. Smart Start’s devices are tested to meet all standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), so you can rest assured that our devices are federally compliant.
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
No. The state of Maine dictates that you will only need to install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on the vehicle you intend to operate.
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
In the state of Maine, if you have an Ignition Interlock requirement, but you don’t own a vehicle, the state will require you to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on a borrowed vehicle, authorized by the owner of the vehicle.
How Does It Work?
Show 11 Topics
What happens after I get my OUI?
Once you get your OUI in the state of Maine, the Secretary of State will immediately suspend your license. This suspension takes place prior to any court appearance, so while you’re waiting for your day in court, you won’t be driving. The Secretary of State may reinstate your driving privileges even if you’re a person convicted of an intoxicant-related offense as long as you satisfy all other conditions for license reinstatement and install an approved Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Installation of the Ignition Interlock Device is voluntary for early restoration in Maine. The Ignition Interlock Device must be installed within 14 days of the request from a person approved by the Bureau of Motor vehicles for installation of a device.
How do the consequences differ for a first and second OUI? Third? Fourth?
In the state of Maine, the consequences generally differ as follows:
- First OUI: Your license may be reinstated after serving 30 days of the 150-day suspension if you install and maintain a state-approved Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for the remaining term of suspension in the vehicle you operate. You may be required to pay a $500 fine.
- Second OUI: Your license may be reinstated after serving nine months of the three-year suspension if you install and maintain an approved Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a period of two years in the vehicle you operate. You may be required to pay a $700 fine and serve 7 days in jail.
- Third OUI: Your license may be reinstated after serving three years of the six-year suspension if you install and maintain a state-approved Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a period of three years in the vehicle you operate. You may be required to pay a $1,100 fine and serve 40 days in jail.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
In Maine, the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) must be installed within 14 days of your request once you’re approved by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to install an IID.
How often does my IID need to be calibrated?
According to Maine law, your Ignition Interlock Device must be scheduled for calibration 30 days after the initial installation and every 60 days after that.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock calibration?
Maine law states that you can calibrate your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at any authorized Smart Start service center nationwide.
How can I pay for calibration?
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Your Ignition Interlock Device provider will send a record of your service appointments to your monitoring authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you.
What happens if I violate?
If you violate in the state of Maine, your violation results in suspension of your license for the time periods set out in by the state and/or your monitoring authority.
What constitutes a violation in my state?
In the state of Maine, any and all of the following may constitute a violation:
- Evidence of circumventing, removing, or tampering with a device
- A registered BAC during a rolling re-test
- Failure to submit to a re-test that results in a permanent lock-out condition
- A missed service visit
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
A compatible camera and/or GPS is not required for installation in Maine.
Is the Ignition Interlock Device connected to my horn and lights?
Maine does not require the IID be connected to your vehicle’s horn and lights.
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 3 Topics
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
Once you have scheduled your Ignition Interlock Device installation in the state of Maine, you will need to bring the following to your ignition interlock installation appointment:
- Photo identification
- Title, auto insurance, the owner of vehicle, or authorization from the owner to have the Ignition Interlock Device installed into vehicle
- Consent to install form, if required
How do I know who my monitoring authority is?
In Maine, your monitoring authority is the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
How do I know what my state requires in an Ignition Interlock Device?
For a more comprehensive list of Maine’s requirements for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), please visit http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/iid.html.
How Can We Help?
Show 3 Topics
What do I need for removal?
In order to remove your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in Maine, you will need authorization from the state.
Does the device hurt my vehicle?
No, the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation is performed by trained professionals. Your vehicle will be put back in the condition it came in when the device is removed
Can I get one on my motorcycle?
Yes, Smart Start does install Ignition Interlock Devices on motorcycles in the state of Maine.
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