Maryland Ignition Interlock Device Questions

In Maryland, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher.  Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is defined as operating a vehicle with a BAC level between .07 and .08.  If you are charged with either a DUI or a DWI in the state of Maryland, you’ll receive a letter from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) detailing your next steps. The court will also require you to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed and maintained on your vehicle.

1. Once you have scheduled an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation appointment with Smart Start, you will need to bring the following to your appointment:
2. You must provide your driver’s license or your valid license number and date of birth. These are required to ensure your records are updated accurately into the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) system.
3. Your vehicle registration indicating a valid tag and title (8 digits) is required to be accepted into the program. An expired tag will not be accepted.

• Your letter from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may be helpful to have on hand so you can discuss any concerns with our installation technician but it is not required.

(Proof of insurance is REQUIRED. You cannot get a valid vehicle registration without proof of insurance.)

1. Any Smart Start-related information you may have received.

Your Social Security Number (SSN). If not provided, a $200 DEPOSIT is required. This will be returned within two weeks after program completion and removal.

Smart Start will provide you with proof of your installation (MVA Form AJ-13) sealed by our certified technician. You then take this to a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) service center in order to get your IID-restricted driver’s license.

Smart Start has been a Maryland MVA-certified ignition interlock service provider since 2004, so you can be sure that Smart Start’s devices will be compliant with your program. Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) are tested and certified to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

You are required to report to the ignition interlock service center every 30 days. Each time you report one or more violations in a monitoring period, you will receive an auto-generated Violation Notice from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) noting the date and time of the violation(s). Your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) compliance term will be extended by one month.  If there is a fourth monitoring period containing a violation, you will receive a FINAL NOTICE instructing you to turn in your restricted license, as you will no longer be able to participate in the program. However, after 30 days, you can request reinstatement into the program.

Maryland law states that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) needs to be serviced every 30 days.

The consequences for each DUI/DWI offense will vary for each individual. Please use the information listed below as a general reference guide. For additional information regarding fees and suspension periods, contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for your specific situation.

• First DUI: You will be charged a $1,000 fine. You may also spend up to one year in jail, receive 12 points on your license, and have your license revoked for up to six months.
• Second DUI: You will be charged a $2,000 fine. You may also receive up to two years’ imprisonment with mandatory minimum of five days along with 12 points added to your license. For two convictions in five years, there’s a mandatory period of suspension, a minimum requirement period of participation in the ignition interlock program, and your license is revoked for up to one year with mandatory participation in an alcohol abuse assessment program.
• Third DUI: You may receive up to three years’ imprisonment. You will be charged a fine of up to $3,000. Your driver’s license may be revoked and you will have 12 points added to your license.
• First DWI: You will be charged a $500 fine. You may spend up to two months’ imprisonment, have eight points added to your license, and serve up to a 60-day license suspension.
• Second DWI: You will be charged a $500 fine. You may spend up to one year imprisonment, have eight points added to your license, and serve up to a 120-day license suspension.
• Offenders under the age of 21 can lose their license, even with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .02. If the BAC is .08 or greater, the offender will be subject to not only the driver’s license suspension and restriction, but also criminal penalties.
• Offenders under the age of 18 will have their case handled in a juvenile court.

Once you meet your compliance requirements, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will mail a letter to the address on your license (the MVA will not forward correspondence) authorizing you to have the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) removed. Removal without this authorization is a violation and you will be removed from the program.

If you have an ignition interlock requirement in Maryland, but you don’t own a vehicle, you will have to take a license suspension, and you will not be able to drive a vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

No, Maryland law states that you only need the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on the vehicles you will be driving during your requirement period.

Maryland law states that you can service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at any Smart Start service center nationwide.

In the state of Maryland, the following constitute a violation of the program:
i. Failing an Initial Test and/or a Retest. After the initial engine start, you must provide tests as requested while the engine is running and the device is powered up.

1. Test Refusal. Refusing to take a test when requested.
2. Circumvention. Leaving the key on without taking a test as requested.
3. Tampering with the device.
4. Failing to report every 30 days.
5. Low Starts. Less than 50 starts within the 30-day monitoring period. If you cannot meet this requirement (vacation, extensive vehicle repairs, etc.) you should contact your Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) case manager.
6. Allowing someone else to test while you are operating the vehicle.
7. Driving a vehicle that is not equipped with an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

To install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle or a loved one’s vehicle voluntarily, call Smart Start at 800.831.3299 and schedule a voluntary installation appointment.  One of our bilingual customer care advocates will help you schedule an appointment at a Smart Start service center on a date that works best for you.  You can also click the chat window below or fill out our online form.

In Maryland, the judge will let you know if you need additional features like a camera or GPS. If you are a Maryland resident with an out-of-state conviction (reporting to VA, for example), you may be required to have a camera and a GPS tracker. You should check with that state’s State authority to confirm your compliance requirements.

In the state of Maryland, you will have 15 days to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) after you’ve received the approval letter from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) confirming your eligibility. You are well-advised to not wait until the final few days to install as your vehicle may require servicing prior to installation of the device.

No. The camera only takes pictures of requested tests. There is no live video feed.

In the state of Maryland, your State authority or case manager will be indicated on the letter sent to you by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).  Your State authority may also be a parole officer or anyone else assigned by your judge.

Smart Start’s devices are compliant with state regulations and we’re on the MVA’s approved service provider list.  For a more comprehensive list of requirements, please visit the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

You can pay for calibration by cash or credit card at your Smart Start service center at the time of service.  Please check with your local Smart Start service center to verify your payment options; they may differ.

Smart Start will send a record of your service appointments to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) or to your State authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you.

To avoid Failure To Appear violations, you should contact your Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) case manager if your vehicle will be out of service for an extended period. You will likely have to make up this time. Keep copies of your service records for any time the vehicle is not in your possession. Your case manager will request these to waive any violations registered during this period.

You should contact your Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) case manager. The MVA will require that you have a pulmonary function test performed by your physician and submit the results. If approved the MVA will authorize Smart Start to adjust your device accordingly so you can provide breath tests. Please allow at least 72 hours after your MVA submittal for this process. We will make every accommodation we can to assist you in meeting your compliance requirements.

No, Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) will not hurt your vehicle. If your radio doesn’t work it still won’t.

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