California Ignition Interlock Device Questions

If you get a DUI in California, your license will automatically be suspended.  If you get an attorney, your attorney can file a set-aside that postpones your suspension until your court date.  If you’re in the middle of a 90-day hard suspension, you must not drive, even with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).  To be eligible for an IID, you’ll need to complete your 90-day hard license suspension due to drunk driving, pay all your fees, enroll in a DUI program, and have proof of SR-22 insurance.  After you’ve completed these things, you can find out if you’re eligible for an IID through the Mandatory Actions Unit (MAU), a division of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

In Riverside County, after you get a minute order from the court, you will have five days to contact Riverside University Health System Drinking Driver Program.

ONLY 4 COUNTIES in California order that an IID is mandatory—Sacramento, Los Angeles, Alameda, and Tulare.  In every other county, an IID requirement is at the judge’s discretion. Interlock laws vary by California county, so consult a local DUI attorney for legal advice if facing a DUI charge.

The cost of an Ignition Interlock Device in California varies depending on the provider but typically includes installation fees, monthly lease payments, regular calibration, and maintenance costs, and removal fees at the end of the required period. These costs can be influenced by the specific features of the device, the length of time you need to use it, and any additional services offered by the provider. It’s advisable to contact a certified IID provider like Smart Start® for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information specific to your situation.

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. Two valid forms of identification (at least one with a picture)
2. Vehicle registration (if the vehicle doesn’t belong to you, you’ll need a letter of permission from the registered owner)
3. Payment for your first month’s lease and installation
4. Either a DMV or a court order demonstrating the need for an Ignition Interlock Device

Once you have installed your Ignition Interlock Device, you’ll need to bring your DL form (for both conditions) and your case number (if they have a court order) to your State authority.

Smart Start’s IID is compliant with all state and federal requirements, and we are certified as an IID provider by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  You’ll even find us on the DMV-approved list of providers. Our Ignition Interlock Devices are tested and certified to meet the standards set by the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well, but you are always welcome to verify our compliance with your State authority.

In the state of California, you are allowed five violations within a service period before your violation will result in a violation lockout.  Once your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) goes into violation lockout, you will need to take your device to your nearest Smart Start service center for a calibration.  You may also have to pay a fee.

California law dictates that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) needs to be serviced every 30-60 days.  For download services, it is most beneficial if you arrive at a Smart Start service center every 30 days for service.

In the state of California, the general Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirements for a DUI are offender as follows:

1. 1^st DUI offense: five months with an Ignition Interlock Device
2. 2^nd DUI offense: 12 months with an Ignition Interlock Device
3. 3^rd DUI offense: 18 months with an Ignition Interlock Device
4. 4^th DUI offense: 24 months with an Ignition Interlock Device

In order to remove your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in the state of California, you will need some kind of authorization from your State authority and/or the DMV (MAU).  Once you have that authorization, you can call 800.831.3299 to schedule your removal, or email removals@smartstartinc.com to verify your eligibility for removal and schedule your appointment.

In the state of California, if you have an IID requirement, but you don’t own a vehicle, you will need to borrow a vehicle to comply with your ignition interlock requirement.

Yes.  California state law dictates that any vehicle you drive during your requirement needs to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed.  Additionally, any vehicle registered to you will also need to have an interlock Ignition Device installed.

California state law allows you to service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at any Smart Start service center nationwide.

In the state of California, any and all of the following may constitute a violation:

1. Having a breath alcohol concentration above the state-dictated level
2. Skipping a rolling re-test
3. Attempting to circumvent or tamper with the device
4. Failure to go in for service

To install a breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device 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 and schedule a voluntary installation appointment.

In the state of California, you will only need a camera or a GPS with your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) if your judge orders it.  Smart Start can provide any and all of these additions.

In California, you must receive an order for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation from the State authority (either the California DMV or the court) before you install your Ignition Interlock Device if you want to receive credit for your time with your device.  You will need proof of installation to receive your restricted driver’s license.

No, but your camera may take random pictures in addition to photos of your tests.

“State authority” is a general term for the entity that has ordered you to install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID).  In California, this will be the DMV (MAU) or your court.

The California DMV will only certify and approve Ignition Interlock Device (IID) providers that fit state requirements.  Smart Start is certified and approved as an IID provider in California.  Your State authority will specify any additions to the basic Ignition Interlock Device.  As long as your ignition interlock provider is on the DMV-approved list, you can install with that provider.

You can pay for calibration at the Smart Start service center at the time of service.  Acceptable forms of payment are determined by each individual service center.

Smart Start will automatically send a record of your service appointments to your California State authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you.

No, Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) does not hurt your vehicle.  However, you will need a strong, working battery for the Ignition Interlock Device to function properly.

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 with a seamless Interlock program that still follows your case requirements in the state of California. Please call our Customer Care Center at 800-831-3299 if you have any questions about motorcycle Ignition Interlock and motor vehicle laws.