Ignition Interlock Device (effective July 1, 2023)
Alabama Ignition Interlock Requirement
An ignition interlock device or breath alcohol ignition interlock device (IID or BAIID) is an alcohol detection monitor installed on an individual’s vehicle. It requires the driver to blow into a mouthpiece on the device before starting the vehicle. If the resultant breath-alcohol concentration result is greater than the programmed blood alcohol concentration (as determined by the State of Alabama), the device prevents the engine from being started. The interlock device is located inside the vehicle and is directly connected to the engine’s ignition system. It is the responsibility of the client to pay for the installation and the monthly rental fee for the ignition interlock device. The current ignition interlock requirements were mandated by the Alabama Legislature in Act 2018 – 517, effective on July 1, 2018.
An ignition interlock interrupts the signal from the ignition to the starter until a valid breath sample is provided that meets approved guidelines of the State of Alabama. At that point, the vehicle can be started as normal. At random times after the engine has started, the IID will require another breath sample, referred as a rolling retest. The purpose of the rolling retest is to prevent someone other than the driver from providing a breath sample. If the breath sample is not provided within the prescribed time (generally 30 seconds), or the sample exceeds the ignition interlock’s preset blood alcohol level, the device will log the event, warn the driver, and then sound an alarm (e.g., lights flashing, horn honking) until the ignition is turned off, or a proper breath sample has been provided.
When Installed: If you are convicted of the offense of DUI, you will be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle. The ignition interlock device must be installed within 30 days of the date of sentencing.
Penalty: It is a criminal offense, punished as a Class A misdemeanor, to operate or attempt to operate a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device installed as required by law.
Approved Providers: The following companies are approved by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for installation of the interlock device.
| Smart Start of Alabama, LLC Website: http://www.smartstartal.com/ Service Contact: 1-866-447-8686 | Draeger, Inc. Website: http://www.dsdi4life.com/interlock-xt/ Service Contact: 1-800-332-6858 |
| Sense-O-Lock of America, LLC Website: https://sensolock.com/ Service Contact: 1-404-748-4484 | Lifesafer Website: https://www.lifesafer.com/ Service Contact: 1-800-634-3077 |
Installation: First, you must contact one of the companies listed and schedule an appointment to install the ignition interlock device. Then, you must provide proof of installation of an approved interlock device to the Court and/or your Probation Officer. Proof of installation includes a Certificate of Installation or a copy of the lease agreement for the approved device.
Reports: Monthly reports from the ignition interlock device company must be sent to the court that entered the interlock order during the entire length of the time the ignition interlock device is installed on your vehicle. In addition, you must let your interlock provider know where to send your reports.
Interlock Restricted License: You must go to a license reinstatement office to obtain your Interlock Restricted Driver’s License after the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has received notice from the court notifying ALEA of your interlock requirement1 and you had the interlock device installed. There will be an approximately $150 fee to obtain your Interlock Restricted Driver’s License.
Duration: Upon first DUI conviction if breath test result was .14% or less, you will suffer a 90-day driver license suspension, or you may elect to install an ignition interlock device for a period of 90 days. Act 2018 – 517 requires the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for one year if convicted under “Aggravating Circumstances.”2 If this is your second DUI offense within ten years, you will be ordered to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a period of two years. If this is your third DUI offense within ten years, you will be ordered to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a period of three years. If this is your fourth or subsequent DUI offense within ten years, you will be ordered to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a period of four years.
Ignition Interlock Removal: Once you have completed the length of time required for the ignition interlock device, you must notify the court. The court will then send the required paperwork to ALEA so that you may remove the ignition interlock device from your vehicle. You will then report to the ALEA reinstatement office to re-obtain your regular driver’s license.
1 Reinstatement Offices: Birmingham: (205) 252-0426; Dothan: (334) 983-5616; Foley: (251) 943-5061 Ext. 2872; Huntsville: (256) 536-2365; Jacksonville: (256) 782-1322; Mobile: (251) 660-2343; Montgomery: (334) 242-4259 or (334) 353-9877; Opelika: (334)737-1665; Sheffield: (256) 383-9991 & Tuscaloosa: (205) 553-3511
2 “Aggravating Circumstances” are: (1) Test result .15% or greater; (2) Refusing to submit to a breath test; (3) A child under 14 years of age in the vehicle at the time of the offense; (4) An accident with injuries other than the defendant.