Ohio Ignition Interlock Device Questions

If you get an OVI in Ohio, you will lose your driving privilege and must comply with whatever consequences your judge or court orders.

Once you have scheduled your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring an order for the ignition interlock installation or court documentation requiring the Ignition Interlock Device to your installation appointment. A meeting with a court interlock coordinator may be required to obtain these documents.

Smart Start will send a copy of the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation verification to your State authority, and you should be provided a copy of the same report. Some courts do not require any documentation, and other courts will inspect the vehicle to determine the interlock is installed.  To determine what your court requires following installation, please consult your court, attorney, or judge.

All devices certified in the state of Ohio are listed on the Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. Some courts require that more specific equipment be installed in order for you to receive driving privilege. Verify with whomever is granting your driving privileges.

Ohio requires two consecutive tests to be “consistent with consumption,” but some courts will revoke driving privilege after just one positive test if a passing test is not provided right after the violation. Your consequences for a violation will be determined by your court.  If you’re not certain of your consequences or requirements, ask.

Most courts in Ohio require that you service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) every 30 days, but you will need to verify length with your court.

Ohio SB17 has the rules set, but every court operates differently. Some courts look at the life history, even though 6 years is the standard.

In order to remove your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in the state of Ohio, you should check with your State authority for approval of the removal.  Some courts may allow you to remove at will, but you may not get credit for your time with the Ignition Interlock Device if you remove too early.

If you have an ignition interlock requirement in Ohio, but you don’t own a vehicle, you may borrow a family member’s vehicle and install the Ignition Interlock Device on that so you can drive. Some courts will require that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirement be met before releasing the suspension of the license.  In this case, you will not be allowed to regain your unrestricted license until you find a vehicle with which you can satisfy the Ignition Interlock Device requirement.

In the state of Ohio, you are required to install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on all of the vehicles that you intend to drive during your ignition interlock requirement.

Ohio law states that you can install or service your device at any Smart Start service center location nationwide. All reports are sent to your State authority automatically.  However, if you leave the state and you are on probation, your departure may need to be approved by the court leaving the state may need to be approved by the court.

Any breath test that registers any amount of alcohol in the breath sample may constitute a violation in the state of Ohio.  Tampering with the device or skipping a rolling re-test may also constitute a violation.  To determine what your court deems a violation, ask.

To install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle -voluntarily, click the chat window below, fill out our online form, or call Smart Start at 866-747-8278 to speak with one of our customer care advocates and schedule a voluntary installation appointment.  Along with the normal lease, a voluntary form will be required.

Every court has different requirements.  After the court sentences you, you will be told which additional features will be required.

In Ohio, you will be told by the court when you qualify for the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) to be installed.

No, the camera only takes full-color photos of each breath test.  There is no live video feed.

The State authority is determined by the court with which you are sanctioned.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) web site has all approved providers listed on their website. Smart Start is on the list of approved providers, so you can rest assured that our Ignition Interlock Devices meet all state requirements.

You can pay for calibration by cash, money order or credit/ debit card at your local Smart Start service center at the time of calibration.

Every time the vehicle is connected to our computer system, the system generates a report. The reports are stored for your State authority to access anytime. Smart Start sends violation reports to your State authority within 24 hours on your behalf at no additional cost to you.

Not at all.  Smart Start employs only qualified technicians who are experienced mechanics and know how to work on vehicles.

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 in the state of Ohio. Please call our Customer Care Center at 800-831-3299 if you have any questions.