Everything You Need to Know About the New ARD Interlock Program in Pennsylvania

There’s a new Ignition Interlock regulation for Pennsylvania drivers with a DUI. The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition or ARD program has started giving participants an option to install an Ignition Interlock during their suspension period.

What is the New ARD Interlock Program in Pennsylvania?

Here’s how it works. The ARD Interlock program is unique to Pennsylvania. It is available for certain first-time DUI cases, namely ones with no prior convictions or ARDs.

Previously, individuals in the ARD program could not install an Interlock for their ARD-related suspension. Now, if drivers are under a license suspension for 30, 60 or 90 days, and they enter the ARD program on or after October 20, they have the option to install an Ignition Interlock during their suspension period. The Interlock will be available right when they receive their suspension notice with details on next steps. ARD participants will petition PennDOT for the Ignition Interlock Limited License or IILL, which we will go over later in the blog.

Switching from Court to PennDOT for Driver’s License

There’s another new piece to this regulation that affects all drivers with a DUI conviction and ARD participants. Previously, drivers surrendered their license in court. As of October 20, 2018, drivers will no longer surrender their driver’s license in court.  Upon conviction of a DUI or upon entering the ARD program, the courts will notify PennDOT.  PennDOT will then mail out the “Notification of Suspension” letter, which will give instructions on how to surrender the license and the date that your license suspension begins.

Let’s get into how you need to install your Interlock Device if you are in the ARD program.

Installing an Ignition Interlock for the ARD Program

In Pennsylvania, you must petition to PennDOT for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Limited License if you are going to drive with an Interlock. You need to fill out form DL-9108 and send to PennDOT so you can receive the proper license.  This process is the same for non-ARD, Interlock required individuals. Remember that you need to install your Interlock BEFORE applying for the IILL!

When you receive your suspension letter, you can call Smart Start, or a state-approved provider, and set up an Ignition Interlock installation appointment. You want to make sure that you get your Interlock Device installed accordingly to your suspension date.

Removing the Ignition Interlock for ARD Program Participants

Keep in mind that to get your unrestricted license back, you must be violation-free during the last 30 days of your IILL period. PennDOT will send you the removal notification letter with the date you can go in for your final Interlock service. If no violations occur in the last 30 days, Smart Start will send the necessary paperwork on your behalf to PennDOT. You can call PennDOT to verify that you have satisfied all requirements to get your unrestricted license issued, then proceed to your local Driver License Compact (DLC) office with your camera card and have the unrestricted license issued. Once you have the unrestricted license, you can make a removal appointment with Smart Start.

If you have any questions, you can refer to PennDOT’s IID Limited License Eligibility Fact Sheet, or call Smart Start at (800) 831-3299 for more information. Our team knows the new Pennsylvania DUI law and can get you back on the road the fastest!

Need to Install an Ignition Interlock?

Do you need to install an Ignition Interlock in Pennsylvania or elsewhere in the U.S.? Schedule your installation appointment now with Smart Start at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form.