Smart Start is here to help you move past your DUI and restore your transportation. Our customers trust us for affordable rates on Ignition Interlock Devices, backed with 24/7 multilingual customer service and with same-day installation often available.
If it’s time to start your next chapter and get back on the road, Smart Start is here to help you stay compliant. Call our Program Advisors now for a free quote on Ignition Interlock services near you.
According to the DC DMV website, your license will be suspended for six months even for a first-offense DUI.
The following is general information, not legal advice, about the conditions you might have to complete before applying for a reinstated license.
Consult Your Legal Counsel
License Hearing
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Assessment and Education
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Service Appointments
Removal
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.
We know that navigating a DUI can be overwhelming. Understanding the requirements and process after an alcohol related driving offense in Washington, DC is an important step to getting back on the road. We’ve put together some general information to help you get started.
DC law specifies the penalties that can come with a first-offense DUI charge, including:
Penalties may increase if it’s not your first DUI. DC also considers breath alcohol content (BAC) during sentencing, with higher sentences possible for a BAC over 0.2%.
Most drivers will also be required to enroll in the Ignition Interlock Device program after a DUI in DC. You’ll have to install an Interlock Device from an approved vendor on your vehicle, as well as obtaining SR-22 insurance, paying fines, and satisfying any other relevant conditions. The specifics of your DUI program and suspension will determine how long you must keep your IID installed.
If your driver’s license is from another state (such as Maryland or Virginia) but your DUI arrest happened in DC, the DC authorities will report your DUI arrest to the DMV in your home state.
To restore your license, you’ll need to follow your home state’s administrative procedures, which you can read about here:
If you have a DC driver’s license, you’ll follow the procedures specified on the DC DMV website to reinstate your license. These include:
DC is expensive enough already, and getting a DUI can add another level of financial hardship. Smart Start strives to offer affordable pricing on Interlock Devices near you.
Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors No long-term contracts required Affordable pricing Your DUI 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 long-term contracts Convenient locations, often with same-day installation options 24/7/365 multilingual customer support Easy-to-use Interlock Device technology 
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 Washington, DC.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
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How Does It Work?
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How Do I Get An Appointment?
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How Can We Help?
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What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
What happens after I get my DUI?
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
How can I pay for calibration?
What happens if I violate?
What constitutes a violation in my state?
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
How do I know who my monitoring authority is?
What do I need for removal?
What do I need to install voluntarily?
Can I get one on my motorcycle?
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 5 Topics
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
What happens after I get my DUI?
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
How Does It Work?
Show 6 Topics
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
How can I pay for calibration?
What happens if I violate?
What constitutes a violation in my state?
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 2 Topics
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
How do I know who my monitoring authority is?
How Can We Help?
Show 3 Topics
What do I need for removal?
What do I need to install voluntarily?
Can I get one on my motorcycle?
We’re ready to help!
