Reinstating your Driving Privilege with an Interlock Ignition Device (IID):
An Interlock Ignition Device can be a convenient way to continue to drive any time day or night.
If your license is suspended by the DMV and/or the court because of a DUI, you may be able to regain your driving privileges with an IID (ignition interlock device). An IID will measure your alcohol levels with a breath sample before you drive, and will occasionally ask for a breath sample while you are driving. The alcohol levels must be 0 in order for the car to start and run.
An ignition interlock device is a type of mini-breathalyzer instrument. About the size of a cell phone, that is installed on the steering column of your vehicle. To get this device, you contact an IID provider, rent their equipment and they send the device to a local mechanic to install.
Along with an IID installation, you will need proof of enrollment in DUI school, and proof of SR22 Insurance in order to regain your driving privilege. You can find a directory of California Certified DUI school providers here. SR22 insurance is added on to your current insurance policy and is required in order to drive with an IID installed in your vehicle. To obtain SR22 insurance, we recommend you contact your car insurance provider, or shop online for reasonable rates. They should be able to help you add SR22 coverage to your policy.
If you wish to obtain an IID you must have a certified dealer install the device. After installation you will receive a form from the mechanic, a DL920 certification that form MUST go to the DMV office , so plan toturn in your paperwork. California DMV will charge you a fee for this. Once DMV receives these documents and this fee is paid, you will have your driving privilege set to drive with an interlock ignition device.
IID installation companies you may want to consider include:
HOW LONG DO I NEED AN INTERLOCK IGNITION DEVICE FOR?
As of 2021, DUI laws in California do not require an Interlock Ignition Device for a 1st DUI. Currently, Butte County Courts do not require an IID on a first DUI. However, for many people, getting an IID is more convenient than a restricted license. The length of required IID use is based on your alcohol levels, and any prior DUI charges. The basics are that if this is your first DUI, then, in California, DMV will require a 4 month IID , and the court will require a IID for 6 months. This is for an alcohol level below a .20. The IID term can be longer if your alcohol levels are over a .20 and if you’ve had a DUI . Tactically, it is helpful to run the DMV suspension and IID use at the same time as the Court suspension and IID term. This is allowed by California DUI laws. Having an good DUI attorney can help manage these timelines. Our Butte County DUI attorneys have experience and success in handling DUI cases and assisting in the timeline of an IID.
If you choose to have an IID for your 1st DUI then the next step is:
1. Have the IID professionally installed, and
2. Have an IID installed in every car you own or drive. (Employer-owned cars and motorcycles are exempt from this rule.) Here is the form for that: DMV IID Form for Employer
Before you start your car, you must blow into the IID and provide an alcohol-free breath sample. If you don’t, your car will not start. Once you are driving, the IID will ask for random samples, typically every 5-15 minutes after you begin driving.
When the instrument asks for these samples, you have six minutes to provide a sample--plenty of time to pull over if you don’t feel that you can safely provide a sample while driving.
Once you have installed a California IID, you must take it in for servicing at least every 60 days.
IID Program Exemption
If you are subject to mandatory IID installation pursuant to California Vehicle Code (VC) §23575.3, then you may qualify for an exemption if you meet all of the following requirements:
You do not own a vehicle.
You do not have access to a vehicle at your place of residence.
You no longer have access to the vehicle used when arrested for the violation that resulted in the DUI conviction.
If the above applies to you, then you must complete the following on the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Exemption Request (DL 4062) form:
