Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Guide

Everything you need to know about California's IID requirements โ€” approved devices, installation standards, costs, reduced fee assistance, exemptions, and all official DMV forms.

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a breathalyzer wired into your vehicle's ignition system. Before you can start the car, you must blow into the device. If your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) is above the preset limit, the vehicle will not start.

The device also requires random rolling retests while you're driving. You'll need to provide a breath sample of at least 1.5 liters for both the initial test and retests throughout your trip.

IIDs must be serviced regularly (typically every 60 days) for calibration, data download, and inspection. Failure to service on time, or any tampering/bypass attempts, are reported to the DMV and can result in additional suspension or a pause in your IID restriction term.

Who Is Required to Install an IID?

Under California's Statewide IID Pilot Program (effective January 1, 2019 through January 1, 2033), the following DUI offenders must install an IID:

First DUI Offense

6 months IID

Allows restricted driving privilege during suspension period

Second DUI Offense

1 year IID

Required for license reinstatement

Third DUI Offense

2 years IID

Mandatory with no early removal option

Fourth+ DUI Offense

3 years IID

Maximum restriction period

โš ๏ธ Important: The pilot program applies to DUI offenders convicted of a DUI involving alcohol or a combination of alcohol and drugs, with offense dates between January 1, 2019 and January 1, 2033.

Engine start button โ€” IID connects to your vehicle ignition

DMV-Approved IID Manufacturers & Devices

Only DMV-approved Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIIDs) can be used. Here are all 15 approved manufacturers:

ManufacturerPhoneApproved Devices
A&A Interlock, LLC(800) 611-6523AT 230
Intoxalock(866) 438-55351001A
Clear2Drive(888) 663-9847Series 5000
Alcohol Detection Systems, Inc.(855) 450-0064Determinator, Determinator 2
Guardian Interlock Systems(800) 489-4885AMS 2000, AMS 2500
Best Labs, Inc.(877) 715-2253FR 9000, WC 9000+
Low Cost Interlock Inc.(844) 218-5396LCI-777
#1 A LifeSafer, Inc.(800) 210-8087Lifesafer FC-100, L250
ALCOLOCK(877) 258-5696ALCOLOCK LR, ALCOLOCK GR, WR3
RoadGuard Interlock(800) 332-6858Draeger INTERLOCKยฎ XT, Draeger INTERLOCK 7000
Smart Start, Inc.(866) 348-4286SSI 20/20, SSI 20/30, SSI Flex, SSI 2035
Smart Alco Solutions, LLC(844) 425-2627Alcobrake A-200
Alcohol Analytics Systems LLC(844) 748-1185AAS 2.0
A Simple Interlock, LLC(866) 698-7113Co-Pilot
Autosense International Inc.(800) 498-9071Alco-Sense Ultimate

Source: California DMV Approved BAIID Manufacturer List

Costs & Reduced Fee Assistance

Typical IID Costs

  • Installation$70 โ€“ $150
  • Monthly lease/rental$60 โ€“ $90/month
  • Calibration (every 60 days)$25 โ€“ $50
  • Removal$50 โ€“ $100
  • Total (6-month program)$500 โ€“ $900

Reduced Fee Assistance

If your income falls within Federal Poverty Level guidelines or you receive CalFresh benefits:

At 100% FPL or below10% of program costs
At 101-200% FPL25% of program costs
At 201-300% FPL or CalFresh recipient50% of program costs
At 301-400% FPL90% of program costs

Income verification required: federal tax return, 3 months income statements, EDD benefits, or CalFresh verification.

Installation Standards (BAR Requirements)

Per California Business and Professions Code ยง9882.14, all IID installers must meet strict standards:

  • โœ…Customers or unauthorized persons cannot observe installation, maintenance, or servicing
  • โœ…Installer must have all required tools, test equipment, and manufacturer manuals
  • โœ…Adequate security to prevent access to tamper seals or installation instructions
  • โœ…Vehicle mechanical and electrical systems must be screened before installation
  • โœ…Installation must follow manufacturer instructions and accepted trade standards
  • โœ…IID must be verified as functioning properly after installation
  • โœ…Installation must not affect IID performance or impede safe vehicle operation
  • โœ…When removed, vehicle must be restored to original condition โ€” all severed wires permanently reconnected with heat shrink tubing

IID Exemptions

๐Ÿš— IID Program Exemption (No Vehicle)

You may qualify if you meet ALL of the following:

  • โ€ข You do not own a vehicle (PNO vehicles do NOT qualify)
  • โ€ข You do not have access to a vehicle at your residence
  • โ€ข You no longer have access to the vehicle used at arrest

โš ๏ธ Must submit DL 4062 within 30 days of suspension/revocation notice. If approved, you must serve your full suspension/revocation term with no restricted driving privilege.

๐Ÿ“„ Download DL 4062

๐ŸŒŽ Out-of-State Exemption

If your DUI occurred in California but you reside in another state, you may qualify if:

  • โ€ข You have completed a California DUI treatment program
  • โ€ข You have not completed your mandatory IID restriction period

Must submit DL 4062 (check Out-of-State box) + one acceptable residency document.

๐Ÿ“„ Download DL 4062

๐Ÿฅ Medical Exemption

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from breathing with sufficient strength to activate the IID (minimum 1.5 liters breath sample), you may qualify for a medical exemption.

Both the driver and medical provider must complete the DL 4063 form. Must be submitted within 30 days. If approved, you will NOT receive a restricted driving privilege.

๐Ÿ“„ Download DL 4063

๐Ÿ“ง How to Submit Exemption Forms

E-mail completed forms to:

DMVOPSIIDEXEMPTIONS@dmv.ca.gov

Questions about DUI suspension or revocation:

Mandatory Actions Unit: (916) 657-6525

Downloadable DMV Forms

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Statewide IID Pilot Program (2019โ€“2032)

California's Statewide IID Pilot Program requires all repeat and injury-involved DUI offenders (alcohol or alcohol + drugs) convicted on or after January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2032, to install an IID. Participants may immediately comply without serving any suspension period.

Source: California DMV

Mandatory IID Restriction Periods

Prior DUI Convictions (10 yrs)Non-Injury (VC ยง23152)Injury (VC ยง23153) / Manslaughter
0 (first offense)N/A1 year
11 year2 years
22 years3 years
3 or more3 years3 years
1+ prior felony3 years4 years

๐Ÿ“‹ Requirements for IID-Restricted License

  • โœ… Clear all other outstanding suspensions/revocations
  • โœ… Install IID and submit Verification of Installation (DL 920)
  • โœ… Provide DUI Program Enrollment (DL 107) or Completion Certificate (DL 101)
  • โœ… Provide California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22)
  • โœ… Pay all applicable reissue, restriction, and administrative fees

๐Ÿท First-Time Alcohol Offenders

Court may order IID for up to 6 months. Without court order, you may opt for IID (up to 6 months) or employment/treatment restriction (1 year).

๐Ÿ’Š Drug-Only Repeat Offenders

Not subject to mandatory IID. May qualify for IID-restricted license after serving 1 year of suspension/revocation.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Admin Per Se (APS)

May opt for IID immediately โ€” 4 months (1st offense) or 12 months (repeat). IID time credits toward mandatory period if convicted.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Reduced Fee Assistance (Federal Poverty Level)

If your income qualifies, you pay a reduced percentage of IID program costs:

Income LevelYou Pay
100% FPL or below10%
101โ€“200% FPL25%
201โ€“300% FPL50%
CalFresh recipients50%
301โ€“400% FPL90%

Required docs: prior year tax return, 3 months income statements, or EDD unemployment verification.

โš ๏ธ IID Non-Compliance

All non-compliance MUST be reported to DMV and can result in suspension, revocation, or a pause in your IID term:

  • โ€ข Bypass attempts โ€” trying to circumvent the device
  • โ€ข Tampering โ€” physical interference with the device
  • โ€ข Removal attempts โ€” trying to disconnect the device
  • โ€ข 3+ missed service appointments
  • โ€ข Failure to service within 60 days

Installers report non-compliance using form DL 921, faxed to DMV within 3 working days.

Driving for Work with an IID

Under CVC ยง23576, if you're required to drive for work and the vehicle is owned by your employer, you may operate it without an IID installed if:

  • โ€ข Your employer has been notified of your IID restriction
  • โ€ข You have proof of notification in your possession or with the vehicle
  • โ€ข You are NOT an owner or partial owner of the business

Use form DL 923 to formally notify your employer.

๐Ÿ“„ Download DL 923

Need Help with IID Requirements?

Get guidance on IID installation, reduced fees, and license reinstatement.

Free Case Review with a License Reinstatement Specialist

Or call us now: (916) 244-9700 โ€ข No obligation โ€ข 100% confidential

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Need Help with Your IID Requirement?

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