Vermont Ignition Interlock Device Questions

If you have a DUI arrest in Vermont, your DUI can result in two types of license suspensions (which can be imposed at the same time):

1. Civil license suspension: This license suspension happens from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) immediately at the time of your arrest if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 percent or more, or if you refuse a chemical test
2. Criminal court license suspension: This occurs when you are sentenced by a court after a trial or plea agreement.

Upon arrest, your license will undergo a civil suspension automatically unless you request a hearing. The application to request a hearing is on the back of the Notice of Intention.

Once you have scheduled an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation in Vermont, you will need to bring the following to your IID installation appointment:

1. Proof of residency (this can be a bill of some sort)
2. A form of photo ID
3. Proof of insurance
4. Payment

Once you have the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed, have the installing technician complete a Certification of Ignition Interlock Device Installation, TA-VL-82.  You will need to bring this form back to your State authority.

All Smart Start Ignition Interlock Devices are tested and approved to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Smart Start is certified as an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) provider by the state of Vermont.

If your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) detects a BAC of 0.02 percent or greater, the horn will sound repeatedly and the headlights will flash until the vehicle is turned off. Once the vehicle is turned off, the IID will not allow you to restart the vehicle within three minutes without taking an initial breath test. Failing a rolling re-test will result in an immediate recall of your restricted driver’s license, and you will go back under hard license suspension.

If you fail to do the re-test within ten minutes, the horn will sound repeatedly and the headlights will flash until the vehicle is turned off. Once the vehicle is turned off, the IID will not allow you to restart the vehicle within three minutes without passing an initial breath test. Upon a total of three refusals to provide a re-test during the period of time you hold a restricted driver’s license (RDL), the IID will place your vehicle in a permanent lockout state. Once the IID is in lockout, the vehicle must be towed to your nearest Smart Start service center for service before you can operate it again.

Vermont law indicates that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) must be serviced every 30 days.

In order to remove your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in the state of Vermont, you must contact the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 802-828-2061 to verify that you are eligible to have the IID removed. If you have met your requirements, the DMV will allow you to have the IID removed from your vehicle. You will also need to re-apply for the restoration of your unrestricted license by completing a Duplicate or Corrected Registration / License / Learner Permit or Removal of Restriction Application, TA-VL-15.

In Vermont, if you have an Ignition Interlock Device requirement, but you don’t own a vehicle, you can have the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in a family member’s car or a friend’s car with their express authorization. Contact the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 802-828-2061 to verify your options.

No, Vermont law does not require that you install an Ignition Interlock Device on all of your vehicles. However, you cannot legally drive a vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device (IID). If you have multiple vehicles, you can install an IID on the only vehicle you will use, or you can install an IID on multiple vehicles. If you install IIDs on more than one vehicle, you will have to pay all of the associated fees (installation, leasing, removal, calibration, etc.) for each IID installed. The vehicle(s) in which the device is installed must have current registration and inspection.

Vermont law allows you to service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at any of Smart Start’s service center locations nationwide.  Please visit our locations page to find a service center near you.

In Vermont, the following are considered violations of the terms and conditions of a restricted driver’s license (RDL) and will result in the immediate recall of your RDL for up to one year:

• Operating a motor vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
• Getting another person to blow into or otherwise activate the device to start the vehicle for you
• Registering a BrAC of 0.02 percent or more during a rolling re-test
• Missing a service visit
• Removing, tampering with, disconnecting, disabling, or circumventing the Ignition Interlock Device
• Failing to submit to a re-test, which results in a permanent lock-out condition (This happens upon your third refusal to provide a re-test during the period of time you hold a restricted driver’s license or RDL.)
• Having the IID removed by an unauthorized manufacturer, installer or person
• Committing an offense that results in any other suspension (for example, if you receive a speeding ticket which results in a Total Accumulation of Points suspension)

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. We’ll help you 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.

The state of Vermont says that you must install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) that is equipped with a camera. In some cases, the courts and/or Department of Corrections may require you to install an IID that is equipped with additional capabilities like real-time reporting or GPS capability.

In Vermont, you can install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) upon completion of your tribunal court hearing.

No, the camera only takes pictures of your breath tests.  There is no live video feed.

When the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is serviced every 30 days, Smart Start will forward the data reports to both the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Department of Corrections. If the data report indicates a failure to comply with any of the ignition interlock program requirements, it will result in the immediate recall of your restricted driver’s license (RDL), and you will go back under hard license suspension.  In the state of Vermont, your State authority is usually your court and/or the Vermont DMV.

No, Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) will not harm 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 Vermont. Please call our Customer Care Center at 800-831-3299 if you have any questions.

Yes, the state of Vermont requires that your Ignition Interlock Device be connected to your horn and lights.  However, this connection does not harm your vehicle.