Ignition interlock device (IID)
What’s an ignition interlock device (IID)?
It’s an instrument you blow into before you can start your vehicle. You’ll only be able to start your vehicle if your breath alcohol content (BAC) reading is under .025.
When am I required to have an IID?
If you’ve been convicted of an alcohol-related DUI or Physical Control of a motor vehicle, you must have an ignition interlock device before you can reinstate your driver license.
| For … | You must have an IID for… |
|---|---|
| Some convictions of reckless driving. | At least 6 months |
| Some convictions of negligent driving. | At least 6 months |
| First offense | At least 1 year |
| Second offense | At least 5 years |
| Third or subsequent offenses | At least 10 years |
Note: The court may require your IID to be installed longer than what’s shown above.
When would I get an Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL)?
You can get an Ignition Interlock Driver License, if:
- Your driver license is suspended or revoked, and
- You’ve gotten an IID installed in the vehicle(s) you plan to drive.
How do I get an IID installed?
Visit an IID installer that’s certified by the Washington State Patrol. The installer will also submit proof of installation to us. You can:
- See a list of certified devices and installers on the Washington State Patrol website at www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/interlock.htm, or
- Find certified installers in the yellow pages.
Which vehicles do I need to have the IID installed in?
Your vehicles
- You need to have one installed in all personal vehicles you drive.
- You don’t need to have one installed in all the vehicles you own.
Employer’s vehicles
If you’re required to operate an employer-owned vehicle during work hours:
- Submit an Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Device so they don’t have to install IIDs on their vehicles.
- Submit the form to us before you drive any employer’s vehicles, and
- Carry a copy with you whenever you drive an employer vehicle.
What happens if I remove the IID early?
If you remove it:
- Before your requirement period is over, your driving privileges will be suspended.
- After your license is reinstated, but before your requirement period is over, your license will be suspended.
- While you have a restricted license (ORL or IIL), your restricted license will be canceled.
Can I contest the IID requirement?
No. You may request an administrative review to contest the suspension, but you can’t contest the ignition interlock requirement.
What do I need to do when my requirement period is over?
You can have it removed after we’ve receive notice from the interlock company that in the previous 4 months you haven’t done any of the following:
- Tried to start the vehicle with a breath alcohol content of .04 or more.
- Failed to take or pass any required retests.
- Failed to get scheduled maintenance, repairs, calibration, monitoring, inspection, or replacement of the device.
Once you’ve met all your IID requirements and we’ve received and processed the 4-month certification from the interlock company, you may have the device removed. We suggest that you check your license status before you drive.
Related laws
- RCW 46.20.720: Drivers convicted of alcohol offenses
- RCW 46.20.740: Notation on driving record — Verification of interlock — Penalty
- RCW 46.61.5055: Alcohol violators — Penalty schedule
- RCW 46.04.215: Ignition interlock device
- WAC 204-50: Ignition interlock breath alcohol devices
