DUI and IID

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Frequently Asked Questions

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Disclaimer: This summary was prepared by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and should be used for reference only. Please refer to the full text of any laws referenced below for complete and comprehensive legal information.

  • Who is required to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?

    An individual with an open DUI sanction mandating an IID who wishes to reinstate their license, is required to have an IID prior to license reinstatement.

  • How long will a customer have to have an IID in their vehicle?
    DUI ConvictionIgnition Interlock Required
    First ConvictionIf court ordered
    First Conviction if BAL is 0.15 or above, or minor in carAt least 6 months
    Second ConvictionAt least 1 year
    Second Conviction if BAL is 0.15 or above, or minor in carAt least 2 years
    Third ConvictionAt least 2 years
    Four of More Convictions (Condition of Hardship License)At least 5 years
  • Does restriction time begin once the IID is installed?

    No. In order for time to count toward your restriction, an IID “P” restriction must be placed on the driving record and license reinstated. Customers must visit a driver license service center or tax collector office after having an IID installed to have the “P” restriction added.  The cost to reinstate can be found on the fee page.

  • Will DHSMV review a court order or other documents which the customer believes will show whether or not the IID is required?

    Yes. A customer may present a court order or other documentation to a local DHSMV Bureau of Administrative Reviews (BAR) office for consideration.

  • What if a customer does not own a vehicle?

    In order to reinstate a driver license, the customer must have an IID installed in a vehicle that he/she owns and/or routinely operates. There is no reinstatement provision for people who do not own and/or routinely operate a vehicle.

  • What if an individual requiring an IID drives an employer's vehicle?

    If the customer meets the IID requirements, holds a valid license with a “P” restriction, and has written permission from the employer, the person may operate the employer’s vehicle for job-related purposes without the required IID. The letter granting permission from the employer is to be kept with the vehicle and provided to law enforcement should the individual be stopped for a traffic violation.

  • Can a customer who is required to have an IID register a vehicle and secure a license plate without a driver license?

    Yes. However, if there are any outstanding insurance, child support, or failure to pay (D6) suspensions, the license plate cannot be issued. These suspensions must be cleared on the driver record before a plate can be issued.

  • Can someone other than the individual required to have an IID use the IID?

    Yes. Anyone who drives the vehicle will have to use the IID in order to start and operate the vehicle.

  • Does the individual required to have an IID have to give a breath sample right away during a rolling retest?

    No. They will have up to three minutes to give a breath sample before the alarm sounds. If the individual is uncomfortable with giving a sample while driving, this will allow plenty of time to pull over.

  • Will the IID turn the vehicle off while someone is driving?

    No, at no point will the IID shut off a vehicle.

  • What happens if the customer uses mouthwash before blowing into the IID?

    Most likely, if the mouthwash contains alcohol, the device will register it. The level at which it will register can vary. If the level is high enough to prevent the car from starting, the customer will need to rinse their mouth out with water and wait for the five minute retest. It is important to take the retest. By passing the retest, the device will identify the first test as latent alcohol. Failure to take and/or pass the retest will result in a violation.

  • What is the threshold for a lockout?

    The IID alcohol threshold is set at a 0.025 blood alcohol level (BAL) reading, if convicted after July 1, 2013. Anything above this level will not allow the vehicle to start.

    The IID alcohol threshold is set at a 0.050 BAL, if convicted before July 1, 2013. Anything above will not allow the vehicle to start.

  • Can the threshold setting of the IID vary from 0.025 or 0.050?

    Yes. By court order, judges may require a lower threshold.

  • What is a violation?

    Any two breath test results above the mandated BAL upon initial startup of the vehicle; any refusal to submit to a required rolling retest (missed test); any rolling retest above the mandated BAL; or any evidence of equipment tampering.

  • What should a customer do if they receive a violation letter?

    Contact a licensed DUI program serves the county where the customer lives, works, or attends school within 10 days of the date of the letter to schedule an appointment.  The DUI program will review the use of the IID with the customer and discuss the circumstances related to the notification.

  • How is the accuracy of an IID measured?

    At each monthly service visit, the IID will be re-calibrated. Additionally, a diagnostic test is performed each time the IID is powered on.

  • Can an IID be circumvented?

    The IID is designed with anti-circumvention security. Some of these features include humming while blowing, humidity reading, power disconnect reading, and rolling retest.

  • What happens if repair work needs to be done on a car with an IID?

    Inform the IID provider prior to having the vehicle repaired, then present the receipt at the next monthly appointment. Note, any time the battery is disconnected due to service work, the customer must bring a repair receipt to the next monthly appointment.

  • What if I want to remove the IID before my time is up?

    Customers must surrender their license before a provider will remove an IID.  Customers may go to a driver license office or tax collector office and request to voluntarily surrender their license. Customers will be given proof that they have surrendered their license and must present it to the provider for them to remove the IID. Please be aware that if the IID is removed prior to the expiration date on the restriction, customers may be required to start their restriction time over without credit for past compliance.

  • Who are Florida’s certified IID Providers?
    Contracted ProviderContact InformationApproved Devices
    ALCOLOCK866-837-8646
    Provider's Website    		Model #: Alcolock LR
    Guardian Interlock800-499-0994
    Provider's Website    		Model #: AMS 2000
    Smart Start800-880-3394
    Provider's Website    		Model #: SSI 2030
    Intoxalock844-612-3952
    Provider's Website    		Model #: 1001A
    RoadGuard Interlock (Services provided by Nationwide Interlock)
    		866-694-6099
    Provider's Website    		Model #: Draeger Interlock 7000
    LifeSafer855-527-1598
    Provider's Website    		Model #: L250
    Low Cost Interlock, Inc844-276-0554
    Provider's Website    		Model #: LCI-777
    SkyFineUSA888-886-5016
    Provider's Website    		Model #: AT588
    Alcohol Detection Systems (ADS)888-205-1834
    Provider's Website    		Determinator 2 DM-909
  • Can a customer who is a dual resident, living part-time in Florida, use the IID service centers for monthly recalibration both here and in the state in which they reside?

    Yes, if the same provider is used in both states or if the in-state provider coordinates with the out-of-state provider.

  • If a customer moves out-of-state, what happens to the IID requirement?

    If the customer has a Florida license, the requirement follows them. Florida will not clear the driver record until all requirements are met. Please contact an IID provider to coordinate installation and service out-of-state.

  • How does a customer change from one IID provider to another if they move?

    Customers who wish to change providers will need to contact the new provider and advise them that they wish to transfer. The new provider may either work with the previous provider to complete the process or will instruct the customer how to complete the transfer. The customer will be responsible for getting the previous provider’s equipment returned, unless otherwise instructed by the new provider.

    Customers who wish to stay with the same provider simply have to transfer from one service center to another. Approved IID providers are required to maintain a service center in each judicial circuit within Florida to ensure continuous availability throughout the state.