West Virginia Ignition Interlock Device Questions

In the state of West Virginia, once you get your DUI, the law enforcement officer will send information to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Driver’s Services at the DUI department will set up your DUI in the system.  You will get a revocation letter from the department.  Once you receive your revocation letter, you have a right to an Office of Administration (OAH) hearing.  You’ll have 30 days to exercise that right.  You can waive your right to the hearing, and you can turn that revocation time into ignition interlock device participation time.  If you waive your right to an OAH hearing, you will need to call the DUI Interlock Department to start the process of applying for an ignition interlock.  Just call the Interlock Department, and a customer service representative will talk you through the process.  That number will be in your revocation letter.  You can do both your revocation time and your ignition interlock device time together unless you have a deferral.  With your deferral, you will have to do your revocation time without your ignition interlock device (IID), but you can get the IID installed on your first day of eligibility.  It DOES NOT COST ANYTHING to call the DUI Interlock Department, so feel free to call anytime for clarification using the number on your revocation letter.

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. An approval letter from the DUI Interlock Department
2. A copy of the front page of your application
3. Vehicle registration OR Page 4 of your application stating that you have permission to install the interlock on a vehicle that is not registered in your name
4. Valid driver’s insurance

Once the Ignition Interlock Device is installed, Smart Start will send your installation paperwork to the DUI Interlock Department.  The DUI Interlock Department will send a letter back while you are still at the service center, and you will receive that letter from the service technician before you leave.  Whoever drove you to the service center can then drive you to the DMV, where you will turn in that letter and then be issued an Interlock restricted license at no additional charge.  Remember, you CANNOT DRIVE until you have been issued your Interlock restricted license.

Smart Start is on the list of approved interlock providers for the state of West Virginia, given to you by the DUI Interlock Department at the DMV. Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) are tested to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as all national and federal regulations.  You can be assured that all of Smart Start’s ignition interlock devices will be compliant with your program.

If you violate in the state of West Virginia, and you have reached your maximum number of allowed violations during a service period, your ignition interlock device will go into a five-day grace period.  It will begin counting down, indicating that you have five days to drive to the nearest Smart Start service center to get your ignition interlock device (IID) serviced before you are locked out and cannot drive.

West Virginia law states that you will need to bring your device in for a service download once every 30-60 days.

In the state of West Virginia, ignition interlock participation time is different for each offense.  You will need to call the DUI Interlock Department at the number on your revocation letter to find out what your participation time will be.

In order to remove your ignition interlock device in the state of West Virginia, you must do the following:

1. You must have proof of completing the mandatory time specified by your approval letter from the DUI Interlock Department. Time begins at the moment your interlock restricted license is issued.
2. Complete alcohol safety treatment classes.
3. Pay any license reinstatement fees.
4. Call the DUI Interlock Department to make sure that all of your requirements have been met before you schedule your removal.

In West Virginia, if someone else will allow you to use their vehicle, you can obtain a notarized form of permission to install on that vehicle.  The notarized form can be found on page 4 of your application to the DUI Interlock Department.  You cannot get your regular, valid driver’s license back until you complete the interlock participation time required by the DUI Interlock Department.  The application can be found through the West Virginia Test and Lock Program.

No.  In the state of West Virginia, you only have to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on the vehicle that you drive.  However, the vehicle with the ignition interlock installed is the ONLY vehicle you are permitted to drive.  If you are caught driving a vehicle without the ignition interlock device (IID), you will be immediately disqualified from your current program.  You will have to wait a year, and then you will be forced to start your program over again.

West Virginia law dictates that you must install the ignition interlock device (IID) at a service center within the state of West Virginia.  Once you have installed your ignition interlock device (IID), you can service your device at any Smart Start service center in the country.  If you have any further questions about which service centers you can use, please call the DUI Interlock Department.

In the state of West Virginia, that which constitutes a violation is dictated entirely by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Violations will be covered at the time of installation, and the technician will make sure that you understand what will constitute a violation.  Ask as many questions as you need to understand what is required.

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. Then, you can 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.

As of January 1, 2016, all ignition interlock devices in West Virginia must be installed with an accompanying camera, which is included in your monthly service cost.  Other features may be ordered at your judge’s discretion.

In the state of West Virginia, you will get your letter of revocation first.  Then, you will need to determine whether you are applying your revocation time to your interlock time.  You’ll apply to the Interlock Department for approval.  When the Interlock Department approves, you’ll have to call Smart Start to schedule your installation appointment, and you will need to provide your approval number from your approval letter.  You will need a driver with a valid driver’s license to drive you to the Smart Start service center to install the ignition interlock device (IID) at your scheduled appointment time.  Once you’re at the Smart Start service center installing your device, Smart Start will send proof of the installation to the DUI Interlock Program, which will send back a letter.  Once you have that letter from the DUI Interlock Department, you will take that letter to the DMV to receive your interlock restricted license.  You CANNOT DRIVE until you have your interlock restricted license.  Once you receive your interlock restricted license, you will be able to drive anywhere as long as you are driving an interlock-equipped vehicle.

No; the camera will only take a picture when you blow into the device.  There is no live video feed.

In the state of West Virginia, your State authority will always be the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

In the state of West Virginia, all ignition interlock device (IID) requirements are outlined by the West Virginia Test & Lock Program.  For more information, please visit http://www.transportation.wv.gov/. However, Smart Start devices meet all federal and state regulations, and our devices have been certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In the state of West Virginia, you can pay by money order, credit card, or debit card at your Smart Start service center at the time of calibration.

Smart Start will send a record of your service appointments to the West Virginia DMV on your behalf.  Every time you come for a service download, your next appointment date will be on your receipt.

No. Smart Start service technicians are trained to treat your vehicle with the utmost respect.

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