Yes, an interlock license can be suspended in Texas, even though you already have restrictions

An interlock license (also called a Continuous Alcohol Monitoring Program license, or CAMP license) is not a shield against suspension — it is a restricted license you earn after a suspension. If you violate the terms of your interlock program or break other driving laws, Texas can suspend this license too, sending you back to having no driving privileges at all.

The key difference is what triggers the suspension. A standard license suspension usually comes from a DWI conviction or accumulating traffic violations. An interlock license suspension comes from failing the interlock device itself, tampering with it, or driving violations while you are under interlock supervision.

Understanding what can go wrong — and how to avoid it — matters because a second suspension is harder to recover from and costs more money to fix.

Key Takeaways

  • An interlock license can be suspended if you fail a breath test on the device, miss a required retest, or tamper with the device in any way.
  • Driving violations while on an interlock license — speeding, reckless driving, or another DWI — will trigger suspension even if the interlock itself works perfectly.
  • A lockout (when the device prevents your car from starting) is not automatic suspension, but repeated lockouts can lead the Department of Public Safety to suspend your license.
  • If your interlock license is suspended, you lose all driving privileges again until you meet new requirements set by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • Reinstating a suspended interlock license usually requires paying a reinstatement fee and sometimes completing additional requirements beyond your original interlock program.

What violations of the interlock device itself look like

The interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle. It requires you to blow into it before the engine will start, and at random times while you are driving. Violations fall into three categories: failing the test, missing a test, and tampering.

Failing a breath test means the device detects alcohol in your system above the legal limit (usually 0.02 percent for interlock devices, much lower than the 0.08 percent limit for regular drivers). One failed test does not automatically suspend your license, but the device records it. If you accumulate too many failures in a set period — typically three or more in a month — the device company reports this to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which can then suspend your license.

Missing a required retest happens when the device asks you to blow while you are driving and you do not comply. This might mean you did not hear the prompt, ignored it, or turned off the device. Missing retests are treated seriously because they suggest you are avoiding monitoring. Multiple missed retests trigger the same reporting chain as failed tests.

Tampering includes disconnecting the device, trying to bypass it, asking someone else to blow into it for you, or using a device that is not the one assigned to you. Tampering is an when ready violation and usually results in license suspension without the accumulation threshold that applies to failed tests.

Driving violations while you hold an interlock license

Your interlock license comes with the same traffic laws as any other license. Breaking them — even minor violations — can result in suspension because you are already under court supervision.

A new DWI arrest while on an interlock license is the most serious violation and will suspend your license when ready. You will also face new criminal charges on top of your existing interlock requirements. A second DWI conviction in Texas carries steeper penalties than a first, including longer license suspension and higher fines.

Other driving violations that can trigger suspension include reckless driving, driving with a suspended license (if you somehow lose your interlock privileges and drive anyway), accumulating too many points on your driving record, or being convicted of another crime that carries a license suspension as a penalty. Even a speeding ticket that results in a conviction can contribute to your record, though a single ticket usually will not suspend you on its own.

The reason these violations matter more on an interlock license is that you are already in the system. The court and the Department of Public Safety are watching your record more closely than they would for a regular driver.

How lockouts differ from suspension

A lockout is when the interlock device prevents your car from starting because you failed a breath test or missed a retest. This is when ready and temporary — your car straightforward will not start. A suspension is an official action by the Texas Department of Public Safety that removes your driving privileges entirely, meaning you cannot legally drive any vehicle.

Lockouts are built into the interlock system as a safety measure. They happen in real time and are meant to stop you from driving if alcohol is detected. You can usually get the lockout cleared by visiting a service center or waiting until the next day, depending on your device's settings and your program's rules.

However, repeated lockouts can lead to suspension. If you have many lockouts in a short period, the device company reports this pattern to the Department of Public Safety, which may decide that you are not complying with the program and suspend your license. The threshold varies, but generally three or more lockouts in a month is a warning sign.

The reinstatement process after an interlock license suspension

If your interlock license is suspended, you must go through a reinstatement process with the Texas Department of Public Safety. This is separate from your original interlock program and usually takes longer and costs more.

First, you must wait out any mandatory waiting period set by the court or the Department of Public Safety. This period varies depending on why your license was suspended — it might be 30 days, 90 days, or longer. You cannot drive during this time, even with an interlock device.

Next, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Public Safety. This fee is separate from any fines imposed by the court and separate from your interlock device rental fees. The amount varies but is typically in the range of $100 to $300.

You may also be required to complete additional requirements before reinstatement is granted. These might include an alcohol education course, a substance abuse evaluation, or proof that you have resolved whatever caused the suspension (for example, proof that you have repaired or replaced a tampered device). The Department of Public Safety will tell you exactly what is required when you contact them about reinstatement.

Steps to take if your interlock license is suspended

If you receive notice that your interlock license has been suspended, do not ignore it. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety when ready to understand why the suspension happened and what you must do to fix it.

Ask for a written explanation of the suspension. This might come from the device company (if it was a device violation), from a court (if it was a driving violation), or from the Department of Public Safety itself. Understanding the exact reason matters because different violations have different reinstatement paths.

If the suspension was due to a device issue — a failed test, missed retest, or lockout — contact your interlock device provider. Ask them to explain what happened and whether there are any steps you can take when ready (such as scheduling a service appointment or providing documentation that the violation was a mistake). Some device companies have appeal processes for disputed violations.

If the suspension was due to a driving violation, you may have the option to contest the violation in traffic court or to request a hearing with the Department of Public Safety. An attorney who handles DWI cases can advise you on whether contesting makes sense in your situation.

Once you understand the reason and have taken any when ready steps, contact the Department of Public Safety to ask about the reinstatement timeline and requirements. Do not wait for them to contact you — being proactive shows the court and the Department that you are taking the suspension seriously.

How to avoid suspension while on an interlock license

The most straightforward way to protect your interlock license is to avoid alcohol entirely while you are in the program. Even a small amount of alcohol can trigger a failed breath test, and the device is sensitive enough to detect alcohol from mouthwash or certain foods. If you are unsure whether something contains alcohol, do not use it.

Keep your interlock device serviced on schedule. The device company will send you reminders for required maintenance appointments. Missing these appointments can result in violations, so mark them on your calendar and plan ahead. If you cannot make an appointment, contact the device company when ready to reschedule.

Respond when ready to any prompt from the device. When the device asks for a retest while you are driving, pull over safely and blow into it right away. Do not ignore the prompt or turn off the device.

Follow all traffic laws. You are already under supervision, and any traffic violation — even a minor one — can be reported to the court and the Department of Public Safety. Drive defensively, obey speed limits, and avoid any behavior that might draw a police officer's attention.

Keep your interlock device in good working order. Do not attempt to repair it yourself, disconnect it, or use a vehicle without the device. If the device malfunctions, contact the device company when ready and ask for a replacement or repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I fail one breath test on my interlock device?

A single failed test does not automatically suspend your license. The device records it and reports it to the device company. If you accumulate multiple failures (usually three or more in a month), the device company reports this pattern to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which may then suspend your license. One failure is a warning to be more careful.

Can I get my interlock license back after it is suspended?

Yes, but you must complete a reinstatement process. You will need to wait out any mandatory waiting period, pay a reinstatement fee, and possibly complete additional requirements such as an alcohol education course or substance abuse evaluation. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to learn the exact steps for your situation.

If I tamper with my interlock device, will my license be suspended when ready?

Tampering is treated as a serious violation and typically results in when ready suspension without waiting for multiple violations to accumulate. Tampering includes disconnecting the device, asking someone else to blow into it, or using a device that is not assigned to you.

Does a lockout count as a suspension?

No. A lockout is when the device prevents your car from starting because of a failed breath test or missed retest. A suspension is an official action by the Department of Public Safety that removes all driving privileges. However, repeated lockouts can lead to suspension if they show a pattern of non-compliance.

What should I do if I believe my interlock device made a mistake?

Contact your interlock device company when ready and ask them to review the violation. Some device companies have appeal processes for disputed violations. Ask for a written explanation of what the device detected and request documentation. If you believe the device malfunctioned, ask for a replacement or repair and keep records of all communication with the company.