Texas Ignition Interlock Device FAQs

In Texas, after you get a DWI, you may need to contact a defense attorney. Eventually, you will have a court date.  You will be ordered either by a judge or a court to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) based on your condition—pre-trial bond, probation, etc.

In Texas, the consequences for DUI offenses escalate with each subsequent conviction:

• First DUI Offense: Penalties can include a fine, jail time, and license suspension. The severity depends on specific circumstances such as BAC levels.
• Second DUI Offense: Increased fines, longer jail time, and extended license suspension periods are common. This reflects the state’s escalating response to repeat offenses.
• Third DUI Offense: This is considered a serious offense and can lead to significant fines, lengthy jail sentences, and a prolonged or indefinite license suspension.
• Fourth and Subsequent Offenses: These are treated with utmost severity, often resulting in the highest level of penalties permissible under law, which can include long-term jail sentences, license revocation and heavy fines.

Each case varies based on the specifics of the offense, including the driver’s BAC level, whether any property damage or injuries occurred, and other factors. Legal counsel should be sought for personalized advice from a Texas DUI Lawyer or criminal defense attorney.

Answer: In Texas, the Ignition Interlock Device requirements depend on the specifics of the DUI conviction. For certain offenses, the court may mandate the installation of an IID. Understanding these legal nuances is crucial for compliance with state DUI laws.

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:

1. Two forms of photo identification
2. Any and all court paperwork that has been given to you
3. Proof of residence
4. Car insurance and vehicle registration

If the vehicle is not yours, you will need to provide a letter of permission from the owner of the vehicle stating that you are allowed to install an Ignition Interlock Device.

Once the Ignition Interlock Device is installed, you will need to bring back any and all paperwork that you were given by Smart Start at the time of installation—including your lease, time and date of your next appointment, client checklist, and receipt for your first month’s payment.

Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Devices adhere to all the guidelines set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Smart Start is also on the approved ignition interlock vendors list for the state of Texas.

Operating the device involves a specific process, including performing a breath test before starting the vehicle. It’s important to follow the specific instructions on your specific Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device precisely to ensure compliance and avoid any legal consequences.

In the state of Texas, if you fail a test, your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) will go into a 2-minute lockout before asking you to re-test.  If you fail your re-test, the IID will go into lockout again.  This process continues until you are able to pass a test.  HOWEVER, you will be forced to endure any consequences specified by your State authority if you register a violation.  If you exceed the allowed number of violations within a service term, you will enter into a countdown period, during which you must have your Ignition Interlock Device serviced, or you will be locked out of your vehicle completely.  If you go into violation lockout, you will need to either obtain a six-hour unlock code from Smart Start so you can drive to a service center, or you will need to tow your vehicle to the nearest Smart Start service center.

Texas mandate dictates that you will need to service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) once every 30 days as determined by the date of your installation.

In the state of Texas, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) provider cannot remove a device without proper State authority authorization from the court.  We will receive something from the court, which we will process. 48 hours after that approval has been processed, you will be eligible for removal.  As long as the device is in your possession, the state of Texas deems you financially responsible for it.

In Texas, if you have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirement, but you don’t own a vehicle, you will need to consult with your probation officer or attorney to determine your next steps.

In the state of Texas, the judge will determine on how many of your vehicles you are required to install the Ignition Interlock Device.

Texas state law dictates that you can service your Ignition Interlock Device at any Smart Start service center nationwide unless informed otherwise by your State authority.

In the state of Texas, any and all of the following may constitute a violation:

1. Testing at or above the fail level of .030
2. Skipping or failing a rolling re-test
3. Missing your scheduled IID service appointment

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 800.831.3299 to speak with one of our customer care advocates and schedule a voluntary installation appointment.  Check to see if your insurance offers any discounts for voluntary interlock installation—especially for children going off to college.

In the state of Texas, your judge or your State authority will specify what you need in addition to your Ignition Interlock Device (IID).  In some counties in Texas, cameras are required.

In Texas, your attorney or State authority will tell you when you are eligible to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) and receive credit for that time.

No.  The camera can only take pictures while your car is on, and it will take pictures of every test.  It is not a video camera, and does not take a live feed.

In the state of Texas, your State authority could be your judge, attorney, probation officer, pre-trial bond officer, or any other entity indicated by the court.  If you’re not sure who your State authority is, ask the court.

In Texas, all compliant Ignition Interlock Devices are on Texas’s approved list of interlock providers.  Smart Start is on that list, so you can be sure that our devices meet state requirements.

In Texas, you can pay for  your Interlock Device calibration via cash or credit card at the Smart Start service center at the time of calibration.

Smart Start sends a record of all your service appointments, violations, lockout information, etc. to your State authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you.  You should always bring your receipts for service to your State authority.

No, Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) will not hurt your vehicle in any way.

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 Texas. Please call our Customer Care Center at 800-831-3299 if you have any questions.