We know that navigating a DWI can be overwhelming. Understanding the requirements and process after an alcohol related driving offense in New York 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 Empire State
Whether you’re upstate or in the city, Smart Start can help you get your driving privileges back after a DWI in New York State. With our affordable rates, 24/7 multilingual service, and convenient appointments, you’ll be ready to hit the road again in confidence.
Let’s get your life moving again. Our Program Advisors are ready to assist, so just call us now for a customized quote on Ignition Interlock services near you.
How do you get your license back in New York after a DWI?
Under New York law, drivers who get a DWI face a minimum of six months with a suspended license and must often complete the state’s Impaired Driver Program.
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: Judicial Court Settings
Court Hearings and Appearances
Phase 3: Ignition Interlock Device
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Phase 4: State Requirements
Assessment and Education
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Phase 5: Monitoring and Calibration
Service Appointments
Phase 6: Device Removal
Court-Authorized Removal
×
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.
Need Ignition Interlock?
Get Started With Our Program Advisors Today!
Get In Touch With A Program Advisor Or Call (800) 831-3299 Now!Understanding New York DWI Requirements
Basic DWI Requirements
The New York Division of Motor Vehicles lists penalties for drinking and driving in New York State. For a first offense, these can include (but aren’t limited to):
- A fine of between $500 and $1,000 (not including court costs or other fees)
- Up to one year in jail
- Mandatory surcharges including a crime victims assistance fee
- License suspension of six months or more (one year if you refused a road test)
Note that these penalties can increase substantially for drivers with multiple DWIs, or with other aggravating circumstances. For example, a driver who gets a second DWI within 10 years can be charged with a felony, raising the potential penalties significantly.
License Reinstatement
In New York State, drivers who get a DWI must typically complete an Impaired Driver Program (IDP) to maintain driving privileges while their license is suspended or revoked. IDP requirements can vary, but often include a formal substance abuse assessment, in-person IDP classes, and installing an Ignition Interlock Device.
Your monitoring authority will specify how long you have to keep your Interlock Device installed, and which specific conditions you have to follow. When you’re ready to apply for a fully restored license, you can use the New York DMV website. Be prepared to pay a reinstatement fee and to submit all required documentation to prove your compliance with your IDP.
How much does an Ignition Interlock Device cost in New York?
Dealing with a DWI can stretch anyone’s financial resources. Smart Start offers affordable prices on Interlock Devices near you throughout New York State.
-
Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors -
No long-term contracts required
-
Affordable pricing
Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors Remember that New York State also offers financial assistance to help qualified drivers afford their IID, according to NYcourts.gov.
Why Choose Smart Start in New York?
Your DWI 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.
-
No need to buy equipment or sign long-term contracts
-
Convenient locations, often with same-day installation options
-
24/7/365 multilingual customer support
-
Easy-to-use Interlock Device technology
New York Forms
As part of your Ignition Interlock requirement and getting your license reinstated, you may be required to complete or reference specific forms. Get quick access to these forms below:
Ignition Interlock Consent to Install Form
New York 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 New York.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 5 Topics
How Does It Work?
Show 9 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?
Smart Start is on the list of approved ignition interlock providers in the state of New York. We also meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Health. You can be assured that Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Devices will be compliant with your program.
What happens after I get my DWI?
In the state of New York, once you get your DWI, you will go to an arraignment, and the judge’s decision will dictate your next steps. If you’re found guilty, you will have ten days to get an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed on your vehicle. If you plead not guilty, your attorney may advise you to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) pre-trial. If you have further questions about your process, please consult your court or attorney. Consequences can differ.
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
The laws in the state of New York indicate that you must install an Ignition Interlock on any vehicle you own or operate.
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
In the state of New York, if you have an Ignition Interlock Device requirement and do not own a vehicle, you can install an Ignition Interlock Device on a vehicle that is not registered to you with a letter of permission from the owner. This will allow you to fulfill your requirement. If you do not install an Ignition Interlock, you must be able to prove to the court, to the court’s satisfaction, that you no longer own or operate a vehicle.
How do the consequences differ for a first and second DWI? Third? Fourth?
In the state of New York, consequences may differ based on your court, judge, and state authority. For more information, please visit http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/ignition.htm.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
In the state of New York, the law states that you have ten days from the time of conviction to install your Ignition Interlock Device.
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
New York law requires that you service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) every 30 days on the anniversary of your installation.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
The state of New York allows you to service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at any Smart Start location nationwide. You are not required to service at the same location as your installation.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will send a record of your service appointments to your state authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you. However, you can request copies of your service appointments for your own records.
How can I pay for calibration?
What happens if I violate?
If you violate in the state of New York, any violation you incur is immediately reported to your state authority, and your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) will go into a countdown. You must get your Ignition Interlock Device serviced before the countdown expires, or your IID will go into lockout, and you will not be able to start or operate your vehicle.
What constitutes a violation in my state?
In the state of New York, any and all of the following may constitute a violation:
- Any level of alcohol in the breath sample (above .020)
- A skipped rolling re-test
- Tampering with the Ignition Interlock Device
- Trying to circumvent proper use of the device
- A missed service appointment
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
Every Ignition Interlock Device installation in New York requires a camera. Additional requirements are established by county regulations or judge’s orders.
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
Once you have scheduled your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring the following to your IID installation appointment:
- Photo identification
- The name and policy number of your automobile insurance
- The vehicle identification number (VIN) of all motor vehicles that you own or routinely drive and a statement disclosing the names of all other individuals who operate those motor vehicles
- A notarized affidavit from the registered owner of the vehicle granting permission to install the Ignition Interlock Device if the vehicle is not registered to you
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Smart Start will send confirmation of installation to your state authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you. You can also request a copy of your installation confirmation. MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE RIGHT MONITORING AUTHORITY ON FILE FOR YOU. For your time with the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) to count, you must make sure that Smart Start is sending your confirmation of installation to the right place.
How do I know who my state authority is?
In the state of New York, the court will inform you as to who your specific state authority is. A state authority can be the sheriff’s office, the district attorney’s office, the DMV, probation officer/department, etc. The county in which you are convicted will be the county monitoring your case.
What do I need for removal?
To remove your Ignition Interlock Device in the state of New York, you will need an authorization to remove from your probation officer, your conditional state authority, or the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York.
What do I need to install voluntarily?
To install an Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle voluntarily, click the chat window below, fill out our online form, or call 800-831-3299 to speak with one of our Program Advisors.
Can I get one on my motorcycle?
Motorcycle Ignition Interlock installation laws differ by state. Smart Start operates throughout the U.S. as a certified manufacturer and will work harder than other companies to provide you a seamless Interlock program that still follows your case requirements. Please call our Customer Care Center at 800-831-3299 if you have any questions.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 5 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?
Smart Start is on the list of approved ignition interlock providers in the state of New York. We also meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Health. You can be assured that Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Devices will be compliant with your program.
What happens after I get my DWI?
In the state of New York, once you get your DWI, you will go to an arraignment, and the judge’s decision will dictate your next steps. If you’re found guilty, you will have ten days to get an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed on your vehicle. If you plead not guilty, your attorney may advise you to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) pre-trial. If you have further questions about your process, please consult your court or attorney. Consequences can differ.
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
The laws in the state of New York indicate that you must install an Ignition Interlock on any vehicle you own or operate.
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
In the state of New York, if you have an Ignition Interlock Device requirement and do not own a vehicle, you can install an Ignition Interlock Device on a vehicle that is not registered to you with a letter of permission from the owner. This will allow you to fulfill your requirement. If you do not install an Ignition Interlock, you must be able to prove to the court, to the court’s satisfaction, that you no longer own or operate a vehicle.
How Does It Work?
Show 9 Topics
How do the consequences differ for a first and second DWI? Third? Fourth?
In the state of New York, consequences may differ based on your court, judge, and state authority. For more information, please visit http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/ignition.htm.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
In the state of New York, the law states that you have ten days from the time of conviction to install your Ignition Interlock Device.
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
New York law requires that you service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) every 30 days on the anniversary of your installation.
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
The state of New York allows you to service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at any Smart Start location nationwide. You are not required to service at the same location as your installation.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will send a record of your service appointments to your state authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you. However, you can request copies of your service appointments for your own records.
How can I pay for calibration?
What happens if I violate?
If you violate in the state of New York, any violation you incur is immediately reported to your state authority, and your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) will go into a countdown. You must get your Ignition Interlock Device serviced before the countdown expires, or your IID will go into lockout, and you will not be able to start or operate your vehicle.
What constitutes a violation in my state?
In the state of New York, any and all of the following may constitute a violation:
- Any level of alcohol in the breath sample (above .020)
- A skipped rolling re-test
- Tampering with the Ignition Interlock Device
- Trying to circumvent proper use of the device
- A missed service appointment
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
Every Ignition Interlock Device installation in New York requires a camera. Additional requirements are established by county regulations or judge’s orders.
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 (IID) installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring the following to your IID installation appointment:
- Photo identification
- The name and policy number of your automobile insurance
- The vehicle identification number (VIN) of all motor vehicles that you own or routinely drive and a statement disclosing the names of all other individuals who operate those motor vehicles
- A notarized affidavit from the registered owner of the vehicle granting permission to install the Ignition Interlock Device if the vehicle is not registered to you
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Smart Start will send confirmation of installation to your state authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you. You can also request a copy of your installation confirmation. MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE RIGHT MONITORING AUTHORITY ON FILE FOR YOU. For your time with the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) to count, you must make sure that Smart Start is sending your confirmation of installation to the right place.
How do I know who my state authority is?
In the state of New York, the court will inform you as to who your specific state authority is. A state authority can be the sheriff’s office, the district attorney’s office, the DMV, probation officer/department, etc. The county in which you are convicted will be the county monitoring your case.
How Can We Help?
Show 3 Topics
What do I need for removal?
To remove your Ignition Interlock Device in the state of New York, you will need an authorization to remove from your probation officer, your conditional state authority, or the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York.
What do I need to install voluntarily?
To install an Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle voluntarily, click the chat window below, fill out our online form, or call 800-831-3299 to speak with one of our Program Advisors.
Can I get one on my motorcycle?
Motorcycle Ignition Interlock installation laws differ by state. Smart Start operates throughout the U.S. as a certified manufacturer and will work harder than other companies to provide you a seamless Interlock program that still follows your case requirements. Please call our Customer Care Center at 800-831-3299 if you have any questions.
See What Everyone Says About Our Ignition Interlock
Excellent TrustScore Rating
February 3, 2026
"Shonta was really helpful courteous and kind. Shonta was empathetic and understanding when it came to our needs. Mahalo from Hawaii! Aloha"
Chardel Kamanu.
United States
February 3, 2026
"The person that took my phone call "
William S.
United States
February 3, 2026
"Very helpful & informative "
Halil V.
United States
