Whether you can get an interlock device instead of a suspended license depends on your state and the reason for suspension

An interlock device (also called an ignition interlock) is a breathalyzer installed in your car that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Some states allow you to install one as an alternative to losing your license entirely, but this option is not available for all suspensions and not in all states. The most common scenario is a DUI or DWI suspension, where many states now offer interlock as a way to keep driving while proving you can do so safely.

The catch: you still cannot drive a vehicle without the device installed, and you pay for installation, monthly monitoring, and maintenance out of your own pocket. It is not a free pass to drive normally — it is a restricted driving privilege that comes with real costs and rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Interlock devices are most commonly available as an alternative to DUI or DWI license suspension, not for other suspension reasons like points accumulation or unpaid tickets.
  • Your state must allow interlock as an option, and you must meet that state's specific requirements — usually including a conviction or arrest, not just a suspension notice.
  • You pay for the device installation (typically $100 to $300) and monthly monitoring fees ($50 to $100 per month), plus calibration and maintenance costs.
  • An interlock device lets you drive to work, school, and necessary places, but you cannot drive anyone else's car or a car without the device installed.
  • The device records all your attempts to start the car and any failed breath tests, which the monitoring company reports to the court or DMV.

Which suspension types allow interlock as an alternative

Interlock is almost always tied to alcohol-related suspensions — DUI, DWI, or refusal to take a breath test. If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, unpaid tickets, or driving without insurance, interlock will not help you. Those suspensions require you to either wait out the suspension period or take other steps like paying fines or completing a defensive driving course.

Even within DUI and DWI cases, not every state offers interlock as an alternative. Some states make it mandatory if you want to drive at all during your suspension period. Others offer it as an option you can choose. A few states do not offer it at all. You need to check your specific state's DMV website or call your local DMV office to find out whether your state allows it and what the exact rules are for your situation.

The timing also matters. In most states, you cannot install an interlock device when ready after arrest — you have to wait for a conviction or a formal suspension order from the DMV. Some states allow it after an arrest but before conviction if you meet certain conditions. Do not assume you can install one right away; ask your DMV or your DUI attorney what the waiting period is in your state.

How to request an interlock device instead of suspension

The process varies by state, but the general path is: get the suspension notice from your DMV, check whether your state allows interlock for your type of suspension, then contact the DMV or the court handling your case to request it. Some states have you fill out a form; others require you to appear in court or at a DMV hearing to request the option.

If you have a DUI or DWI case, your attorney (if you have one) can help you request interlock as part of your case. If you do not have an attorney, contact your local DMV directly and ask what form or process you need to follow to request an interlock device instead of suspension. Write down the name of the person you speak to and the date, in case you need to follow up.

Once approved, you will receive a list of certified interlock providers in your area. You choose one, schedule an installation appointment, and pay the installation fee upfront. The provider will install the device, show you how to use it, and set up the monthly monitoring and reporting to the court or DMV.

What an interlock device costs and how it works

Installation typically costs $100 to $300, depending on your vehicle and the provider. Monthly monitoring fees range from $50 to $100 per month. You also pay for calibration visits (usually required every 30 days, sometimes included in the monthly fee) and any repairs if the device malfunctions. Over a one-year period, you could spend $700 to $1,500 total.

The device itself is a small breathalyzer connected to your ignition. Before you start the car, you blow into it. If your blood alcohol content is below the legal limit (usually 0.02 percent, which is lower than the DUI limit of 0.08 percent), the car starts. If you are over the limit, the engine will not turn on. The device also requires you to take random breath tests while driving — if you fail one, the car does not shut off when ready, but the failure is recorded and reported.

Every time you use the device, it logs the result: pass, fail, or tamper attempt. The monitoring company sends these records to the court or DMV on a regular schedule, usually monthly. If you have too many failed tests or if you try to tamper with the device, the court or DMV can revoke your interlock privilege and reinstate your full suspension.

Restrictions on driving with an interlock device

You can only drive a vehicle that has your interlock device installed in it. You cannot borrow someone else's car, rent a car, or drive a company vehicle — even for a few minutes. If you are caught driving a car without the device, your interlock privilege will be revoked and your license suspension will be reinstated when ready.

Most states also restrict where and when you can drive. You can typically drive to work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs (like DUI education classes), and necessary errands. You cannot drive for pleasure, to bars or restaurants, or to social events. Some states are stricter than others about this, so check your specific interlock order or ask your DMV what the rules are in your state.

If you fail a breath test or tamper with the device, the monitoring company reports it. A single failure may just be recorded; multiple failures or a tamper attempt can result in the device being locked, requiring you to go to the provider's office to have it reset, or can trigger a violation report to the court.

How long you have to use an interlock device

The length of time you must use an interlock device depends on your state and the specifics of your case. In most states, it is tied to your original suspension period — if your license would have been suspended for six months, you might use the interlock for six months. If it would have been suspended for one year, you use it for one year.

Some states require a minimum period (like three months) regardless of the original suspension length. Others allow you to remove the device early if you have a clean record during the interlock period — no failed tests, no violations, no tampering. Check your interlock order or ask your DMV what the removal criteria are in your state.

Once you have met the requirements, you contact your interlock provider to schedule removal. The provider removes the device, charges a removal fee (usually $50 to $100), and sends a final report to the court or DMV confirming that you completed the program. Your license is then fully restored.

Alternatives if interlock is not available in your state

If your state does not offer interlock as an alternative, or if you do not meet the requirements for it, you have other options depending on your suspension type. For DUI suspensions, some states offer a hardship license or restricted license that lets you drive to work and essential places during your suspension period, without needing an interlock device. The rules and availability vary widely by state.

For other suspension types (points, unpaid tickets, driving without insurance), you typically have to wait out the suspension period or take corrective action like paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or getting insurance. Some states shorten your suspension if you complete an approved course or program.

Talk to your DMV or a DUI attorney in your state to understand what options are actually available to you. Do not assume that because interlock exists, it is your only path forward — there may be other ways to keep driving during your suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an interlock device if I was arrested for DUI but not yet convicted?

It depends on your state. Some states allow interlock after arrest but before conviction; others require a conviction or a formal DMV suspension order first. Contact your DMV or your DUI attorney to find out the timing in your state. If you have an attorney, they can often request interlock as part of your case before conviction.

What happens if I fail a breath test while driving with an interlock device?

A single failed test is recorded and reported to the court or DMV, but your car does not shut off when ready. Multiple failures or a pattern of failures can trigger a violation report, which may result in your interlock privilege being revoked and your suspension being reinstated. The exact threshold varies by state.

Can I remove the interlock device early if I have not had any violations?

Some states allow early removal if you have a clean record during the interlock period, but others require you to complete the full term. Check your interlock order or ask your DMV what the removal criteria are. Even if early removal is possible, you have to request it formally and pay any removal fees.

What if I cannot afford the monthly interlock fees?

Some states offer fee waivers or reductions for low-income drivers, but this is not universal. Contact your DMV or the interlock provider to ask whether a hardship waiver is available. If you cannot afford the device, you may have to serve out your suspension period instead, or explore other options like a hardship license if your state offers one.

Can I drive someone else's car if they have an interlock device installed?

No. Your interlock device must be in the specific vehicle you are driving. You cannot drive any other car, even if it has a different interlock device installed. If you are caught driving a vehicle without your device, your interlock privilege will be revoked.