California Ignition Interlock Requirements
Those who choose to drink and drive in California risk losing their all-important driving privileges for a significant amount of time. Some offenders are able to regain driving privileges by installing a state-approved ignition interlock device from an approved ignition interlock provider. This guide will detail the interlock policy in the state of California.
DEVICES AVAILABLE - If you need to install a device to meet your state requirements, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an installation appointment.
The California Ignition Interlock Program
The legal limit in California for drivers is .08 percent BAC, and anyone who chooses to drive over this limit is putting themselves and others in danger on the road. Penalties for drunk driving in California include fines, license suspension, and other penalties. The state allows some drivers to regain their driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock device from Intoxalock, a California certified ignition interlock provider. The state works with the providers to monitor testing results and compliance with interlock policy.
California’s Administrative License Revocation (ALR) rules state that offenders can have their driver’s license confiscated immediately if:
- Their BAC is .01 percent during DUI probation
- Their BAC was .04 percent or more when driving a commercial vehicle
- Their BAC was .08 percent or more while driving a regular vehicle
- They refuse a breath test
What Happens if I Get a DUI in California?
First DUI Offense
- Four-month license suspension, but may drive under a limited license upon installation of an IID
- Fines of $390-$1,000
- Jail term of a minimum of 96 hours to six months, with 48 hours being continuous
- Probation is an option, but may not always be required or granted
- May be required to attend DUI school or alcohol treatment for three months during probation, if probation is granted.
Second DUI Offense
- Criminal license suspension for two years, and a 12-month administrative license suspension (suspensions may overlap)
- IID required for 12 months
- Fines of $390 to $1,000+
- Jail term between 90 days and one year, with the option of probation (probation may not be granted or may not be required; 48 hours of the jail term must be continuous)
Third DUI Offense
- Criminal license suspension for three years, and a 12-month administrative license suspension (suspensions may overlap)
- Interlock device required for two years
- Fines of $390 to $1,000+
- Must have an ignition interlock device for two years
- Jail term of 120 days to one year, with the option of probation (must serve 120 days in jail, probation may not be granted)
Drivers could also be facing potential jail time, fines, and mandatory alcohol education. If being without a license is a hardship, offenders can apply for an IID license. This will allow them to regain their driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock from an approved provider.
In California, the court can order an IID installation or extend the interlock term at their discretion.
If anyone is injured during the DUI event, the offender may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. In the case of a felony DUI, penalties increase with higher fines, more jail time, and possible other requirements.
What Are the Penalties for Failure to Complete or Refuse to Submit to an DUI Test in California?
Refusing a breath test does not mean the offender has no consequence. Skipping a BAC test will result in penalties including:
- First offense: License suspended for one year
- Second offense (within 10 years): License revoked for two years
- Third offense (within 10 years): License revoked for three years
How Can I Get My Driving Privileges Back in California?
In order to regain driving privileges, some offenders may be required to install an ignition interlock device. In addition to installing an IID, offenders must:
- Wait out required suspension period or clear any existing revocations on record
- Install an IID at an approved provider and share the verification paperwork with the DMV
- Provide verification that they are enrolled in or have completed any required alcohol dependency or education classes
- Provide an SR-22 verification of coverage proving they have appropriate insurance
- Pay any required fines and application fees
- Must show a Proof of Enrollment Certificate or Notice of Completion Certificate corresponding to the alcohol dependency program they are enrolled in, if required
- Must have been 21 years old at the time of the original DUI offense
- Must obey the restrictions of the license if required
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The Process: What to Expect
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Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
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Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
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Obtain Proof of SR-22 Insurance, If Required
If applicable, provide proof of financial responsibility and insurance coverage with an SR-22 certificate.
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Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
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Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
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Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
California Ignition Interlock Device Cost
Expert DUI Attorneys in California
Aaron Bortel Attorney at Law
San Francisco, CA 94107
Gasner Criminal Law
San Francisco, CA 94102
Long Beach Law, Inc. - APLC
Long Beach, CA 90813
The Law Offices of Aaron Mcallister
Los Angeles, CA 90034
California FAQs
What is an ignition interlock device and why do I need one?
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer that is installed in your vehicle to prevent drinking and driving. It is made up of a mouthpiece, a handheld unit, and a cord that attaches to your vehicle’s ignition system. You are required to blow into the mouthpiece to test your Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) before starting your car. For more information see our what is an interlock page. You may be required to install an ignition interlock if you've been convicted of drunk driving.
What are the California ignition interlock device requirements?
To view California IID requirements, please visit the California state page.
How much does an ignition interlock cost in California?
Ignition interlock pricing varies depending on many factors. Intoxalock has current pricing promotions and discounts available for California customers. For pricing information, see California pricing.
What are the steps to get my ignition interlock device in California?
With a quick phone call to Intoxalock, we can answer your specific questions and schedule your installation for you. Please visit the California state page for more information about what steps you need to take to get back on the road.
What information should I provide to get my ignition interlock device installed in California?
To learn more about the steps to regaining your license, please visit our California state page.
How do I find an installation location near me in California?
Intoxalock has over 650 installation locations throughout the state of California. To find the California Intoxalock service center closest to you, please visit our California Ignition interlock installation locations.
When can I get my ignition interlock device removed in California?
The only way to confirm you are eligible to remove the device is to check with your monitoring authority.
What information should I provide to get my ignition interlock device removed in California?
Contact your monitoring authority to ensure you are eligible for removal.
What are the other DUI requirements in California?
Please visit the California state page to learn about other DUI requirements. You may be required to attend a treatment or assessment program, pay fines and fees, and/or obtain SR-22 insurance. Give us a call and our California state specialists will help you through the process.
Can I get financial assistance to pay for my ignition interlock device in California?
For pricing information, see the California pricing page.
Where can I find other DUI resources such as a DUI attorney, treatment center, or SR-22 insurance in California?
To find a DUI attorney, please visit Intoxalock’s California DUI attorney partners page.
To find a treatment center, please visit Intoxalock’s California DUI treatment center partners page.
How does an ignition interlock device work?
Intoxalock ignition interlock devices are extremely easy to operate. Our devices only have one simple button to activate and we never require users to submit difficult humming blow patterns like many other interlocks do. To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
Where can I find more information on ignition interlock devices?
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our partner site.
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Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
