An ISS restriction stops you from driving legally until a specific requirement is met
ISS stands for "Ignition Interlock System," and it is a court-ordered or DMV-ordered device installed in your vehicle that requires you to pass a breath test before the engine will start. If your license shows an ISS restriction, you cannot drive without that device in place, even if you have a valid license otherwise. The restriction appears on your driving record and your physical license card.
An ISS restriction is almost always tied to a DUI or DWI conviction. Some states impose it after a first offense; others require it only after a second or subsequent offense within a certain time period. A few states allow judges discretion to order it even for first offenses in certain circumstances. The restriction remains in place until you meet the terms set by the court or DMV — usually a combination of time served, device compliance, and completion of an alcohol education program.
The device itself is installed by a certified vendor, not by the DMV. You pay for installation, monthly monitoring, and removal. Costs vary by state and vendor, typically ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars total. You must also maintain the device properly and submit to random breath tests or face additional penalties.
Key Takeaways
- An ISS restriction means a breath-test device must be installed in your vehicle before you can legally drive.
- The restriction is almost always ordered by a court following a DUI or DWI conviction, not assigned by the DMV on its own.
- You must use a certified installer in your state and pay all installation, monitoring, and removal costs yourself.
- The restriction stays on your license until you complete the full term, which usually includes a waiting period, device compliance, and an alcohol education program.
- Removing the restriction requires proof from the device vendor that you met all requirements, submitted to the DMV, and received written clearance.
Why an ISS restriction appears on your license
An ISS restriction is ordered by a court as a condition of a DUI or DWI sentence. It is not something the DMV assigns on its own. When you are convicted, the judge sets the terms: how long you must use the device, what your driving privileges are during that time, and what other conditions you must meet (such as alcohol education classes or counseling).
Some states make ISS mandatory for all DUI convictions. Others require it only for repeat offenders or for drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above a certain threshold at the time of arrest. A few states allow judges to order it as an alternative to license suspension. The specific rules depend on your state's DUI laws and your individual case.
Once the court order is issued, the DMV is notified and adds the ISS restriction to your driving record. You will see it printed on your license card and in your online driving record. You cannot legally drive without the device installed, even if you have a valid license in your wallet.
How to install an ignition interlock device
You must use a certified ignition interlock vendor in your state. The DMV or court order will list approved vendors, or you can find them on your state DMV website. You cannot install a device from an unapproved vendor — it will not satisfy the court order, and you will still be breaking the law if you drive.
Contact the vendor and schedule an installation appointment. Bring your vehicle and proof of the court order (a copy of the sentencing paperwork or the DMV notice). The technician will install the device, usually in 30 minutes to an hour. You will be shown how to use it: you blow into the device before starting the engine, and it measures your breath alcohol level. If the result is below the legal limit set by your state (usually 0.02 percent), the engine starts. If it is above that, the engine will not start and the device logs the failure.
After installation, you will receive a contract outlining your monthly monitoring fee, the term of the restriction, and your responsibilities. You must keep the device in working order, show up for all scheduled maintenance appointments, and submit to random breath tests. Missing an appointment or tampering with the device can result in license suspension and additional criminal charges.
Monthly costs and what you are paying for
Ignition interlock costs are your responsibility, not the court's or DMV's. Installation typically costs $100 to $300. Monthly monitoring fees range from $60 to $150 per month, depending on your state and vendor. Removal costs $50 to $200. Over a one-year restriction period, you could spend $800 to $2,000 total.
The monthly fee covers remote monitoring (the device sends data to the vendor about your breath tests and any failed attempts), maintenance visits, and calibration checks. Some vendors charge extra for failed breath tests or missed appointments. A few states cap the monthly fee by law; others do not, so costs can vary widely between vendors in the same area.
If you cannot afford the device, some states allow you to request a hardship waiver or reduced fee. Contact your local DMV or the court that issued the order to ask whether your state has a fee reduction program. Approval is not may provide and depends on your income and circumstances.
How long the restriction stays on your license
The length of an ISS restriction is set by the court and varies by state and offense. For a first DUI, the restriction typically lasts 6 months to 1 year. For a second or subsequent offense, it can last 1 to 3 years or longer. Some states tie the length to your BAC at the time of arrest — a higher BAC may result in a longer restriction period.
The restriction period usually begins on the date of your conviction or the date you install the device, whichever the court specifies. You must complete the full term without violations. A violation — such as a failed breath test, a missed monitoring appointment, or tampering with the device — can restart the clock or extend the restriction.
In addition to the time requirement, you must usually complete an alcohol education program or DUI school before the restriction can be removed. This is a separate requirement from the device itself. You need to enroll, attend all classes, and receive a certificate of completion. Only after you have both completed the program and served the full time period can you request removal.
Steps to remove an ISS restriction from your license
Removal requires proof that you met all the court's conditions. Here is the order of steps:
- Complete the full time period set by the court without violations.
- Complete the required alcohol education program and obtain your certificate of completion.
- Contact your ignition interlock vendor and request removal of the device. They will uninstall it and provide you with a removal letter or compliance report stating that you met all monitoring requirements.
- Gather your documents: the removal letter from the vendor, your certificate of completion from the alcohol program, and a copy of the original court order.
- Submit these documents to your state DMV. Some states require you to visit in person; others allow you to mail them or submit them online. Check your state DMV website for the exact process.
- Pay any final fees (usually $0 to $50) and wait for the DMV to process your request. This typically takes 1 to 4 weeks.
- Once approved, the ISS restriction will be removed from your license and driving record. You will receive written confirmation from the DMV.
Do not drive without the device installed before you receive written confirmation from the DMV that the restriction has been removed. Doing so is a criminal offense and can result in additional charges, fines, and license suspension.
What happens if you violate the ISS restriction
A violation occurs when you drive without the device installed, fail a breath test, miss a monitoring appointment, or tamper with the device. Violations are reported by the vendor to the DMV and the court.
Consequences depend on the type and number of violations. A single failed breath test may result in a warning or a fine. Multiple failures or a missed appointment can trigger an automatic license suspension, an extension of the restriction period, or both. Tampering with the device or driving without it installed is a criminal offense and can result in arrest, additional DUI charges, jail time, and a permanent license revocation.
If you receive a violation notice, contact the vendor and the DMV when ready to understand what happened and what your options are. Some violations can be explained (for example, mouthwash or certain foods can trigger a false positive), and the vendor may be able to clear the record if you provide evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's car if they do not have an ISS restriction?
No. The restriction is on your license, not on a specific vehicle. You cannot legally drive any vehicle without an approved ignition interlock device installed, regardless of who owns it. Doing so is a criminal offense.
What if I cannot afford the monthly monitoring fee?
Contact your state DMV or the court that issued the order and ask about fee reduction or hardship programs. Some states allow reduced fees based on income. You may also ask the vendor whether they offer payment plans. If you cannot pay, you cannot legally drive, and missing payments can result in license suspension.
Does the ISS restriction show up on a background check?
The DUI conviction itself will show on a background check. The ISS restriction is part of your driving record and will appear on a motor vehicle background check, but not on a standard criminal background check used by employers. However, any employer that checks your driving record will see it.
Can I get the restriction removed early?
In some states, you can petition the court for early removal after serving a portion of the term, usually at least half. You must show evidence of compliance with all monitoring requirements and completion of the alcohol program. The judge has discretion to grant or deny the request. Contact the court that issued the original order to learn whether your state allows early removal and what the process is.
What if I move to a different state while the restriction is active?
You must maintain the device in your new state and continue to comply with the original court order. Some states have reciprocal agreements that recognize ISS restrictions from other states. Contact the DMV in your new state and the vendor to arrange transfer of monitoring. Failure to do so can result in license suspension in both states.