Yes, Nevada will suspend your license if you do not install or maintain an ignition interlock device when ordered

If a Nevada court orders you to install an ignition interlock device and you fail to do so, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your driving privilege. This is not a discretionary action — it is automatic. The suspension takes effect when the DMV learns you have not complied, and it remains in place until you install the device and provide proof to the court.

The same applies if you install the device but then remove it, tamper with it, or fail to maintain it during the required period. Nevada treats ignition interlock non-compliance as a separate violation from the original DUI or reckless driving charge, and the license suspension is the direct consequence.

The length of the suspension depends on whether this is your first ignition interlock violation or a repeat offense, and on the terms of your original sentence. Understanding what triggers suspension and how to restore your license is essential if you want to drive legally again.

Key Takeaways

  • Nevada suspends your license automatically when you fail to install an ordered ignition interlock device or when you remove or tamper with one that is installed.
  • The suspension remains in effect until you install the device, have it certified by the provider, and submit proof of installation to the court that ordered it.
  • A first ignition interlock violation typically results in a suspension period that matches the original DUI sentence, but a second violation can lead to a longer or permanent suspension.
  • You cannot restore your license by paying a fine or waiting out a set period — you must physically install the device and complete the certification process.
  • The device itself is not free; costs range from $60 to $150 per month for rental and monitoring, plus an initial installation fee of $100 to $300.

When Nevada Suspends Your License for Ignition Interlock Non-Compliance

Nevada suspends your license in three specific scenarios: when you fail to install the device by the court-ordered important date, when you remove the device before the required period ends, or when you tamper with it or fail to maintain it during the monitoring period.

The DMV receives notification from either the court or the ignition interlock service provider. Once the DMV has that notification, your license is suspended when ready. You will receive a notice in the mail, but the suspension is already active — you cannot drive legally while waiting for the letter to arrive.

If you are already driving on a suspended license, you face additional criminal charges. Nevada treats driving with a suspended license as a separate offense, and the penalties stack on top of the original ignition interlock violation.

How Long the Suspension Lasts

The length of suspension depends on your specific court order and whether you have had previous ignition interlock violations. For a first violation, the suspension typically lasts as long as the original DUI sentence required the device — often 6 months to 3 years, depending on the severity of the original offense and whether it was a first or repeat DUI.

If you have already violated ignition interlock requirements once before, a second violation can result in a longer suspension period or, in some cases, a permanent revocation of your license. The court has discretion to impose harsher penalties for repeat violations.

The suspension clock does not start over if you eventually install the device. The suspension ends only when you have installed the device, completed the required monitoring period without further violations, and received written clearance from both the ignition interlock provider and the court.

Steps to Restore Your License After Ignition Interlock Non-Compliance

Restoring your license requires you to take action — it will not happen automatically. The process has several steps, and you must complete them in order.

First, install the ignition interlock device. Contact an approved Nevada ignition interlock service provider. The Nevada DMV maintains a list of certified providers on its website. You will need to schedule an appointment, provide proof of identity and vehicle information, and pay the installation fee (typically $100 to $300). The provider will install the device in your vehicle and give you a receipt showing the installation date and time.

Second, submit proof of installation to the court. Take the installation receipt from the provider to the court that issued the original order. File it with the clerk or submit it to the probation department, depending on your case. Keep a copy for your records. The court will update your case file and notify the DMV.

Third, maintain the device for the full required period. You must keep the device installed and functioning for the entire duration ordered by the court. This means paying the monthly monitoring fee (typically $60 to $150 per month) and attending all required service appointments. The provider will conduct breath tests at random intervals; you must blow into the device when prompted, and you cannot have any alcohol in your system.

Fourth, obtain clearance from the provider and the court. Once you have completed the required monitoring period without violations, the ignition interlock provider will issue a final compliance report. Submit this to the court. The court will then notify the DMV that you have satisfied the ignition interlock requirement. Only then will the DMV remove the suspension from your record.

What Counts as a Violation During Ignition Interlock Monitoring

A violation is not just blowing a positive breath test. Nevada law defines violations broadly, and any of the following can extend your monitoring period, result in additional fines, or trigger a new suspension:

  • Failing to blow into the device when prompted by the system.
  • Removing, tampering with, or attempting to disable the device.
  • Blowing a positive breath test (any detectable alcohol).
  • Missing a scheduled service appointment or maintenance visit.
  • Failing to pay the monthly monitoring fee, which causes the provider to report non-payment to the court.
  • Driving a vehicle without the device installed (if you own or have access to multiple vehicles).

Each violation is reported to the court and the DMV. A single violation may extend your monitoring period by 6 months or more. Multiple violations can result in a new suspension or revocation.

The Cost of Ignition Interlock Installation and Monitoring

The financial burden of ignition interlock compliance is significant and often unexpected. Installation fees range from $100 to $300, depending on the provider and the complexity of your vehicle. Monthly monitoring fees typically run $60 to $150 per month, also depending on the provider and the frequency of monitoring.

If you fail to pay the monthly fee, the provider will report the non-payment to the court, which can trigger a new violation and suspension. Some providers offer payment plans, but you must arrange this in advance. If you cannot afford the device, you may be able to request a hardship waiver from the court, but this is not may provide and requires filing a formal motion.

Over a 12-month monitoring period, the total cost can easily exceed $1,000 to $2,000. This is in addition to any fines, court costs, or probation fees associated with the original DUI or reckless driving charge.

Avoiding a Second Suspension for Ignition Interlock Violations

Once you have been suspended for ignition interlock non-compliance, a second violation carries much harsher consequences. The best way to avoid a second suspension is to treat the device as non-negotiable and build the monthly cost and service appointments into your budget and schedule.

Set phone reminders for service appointments at least one week in advance. If you cannot make an appointment, contact the provider when ready to reschedule — do not straightforward miss it. Pay the monthly fee on time, even if money is tight; missing a payment is reported to the court within days.

Do not attempt to remove, disable, or tamper with the device, even if you believe it is malfunctioning. If the device is not working correctly, contact the provider and request a replacement or repair. The provider will handle it without reporting a violation.

If you are struggling with alcohol use, the ignition interlock period is an opportunity to address it. Many courts will reduce the monitoring period or remove the requirement entirely if you complete a substance abuse treatment program. Talk to your probation officer or attorney about whether this option is available in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive someone else's car if I have an ignition interlock order?

No. The court order applies to you, not to a specific vehicle. You cannot drive any vehicle without the device installed, even if you own multiple cars or borrow someone else's. If you are caught driving a vehicle without the device, you will be charged with a new violation and your license will be suspended again.

What happens if the ignition interlock provider goes out of business?

Contact the Nevada DMV when ready and provide documentation that your provider has closed. The DMV will give you a short window to transfer to another approved provider. You must complete the transfer and submit new proof of installation to the court. Failure to do so will result in a violation and suspension.

Can I get the ignition interlock requirement removed early?

Only the court that ordered it can remove the requirement early. You would need to file a motion requesting early termination, usually after completing at least half of the required monitoring period without violations. The court has discretion to grant or deny the request. Talk to your attorney about whether you have grounds to file.

If I move out of Nevada, do I still have to maintain the device?

Yes. The court order follows you. If you move to another state, you must either maintain the device in Nevada (which is impractical) or request a transfer of your case to the new state. Some states will accept transfers, but others will not. Contact the court that issued the order before you move to understand your options.

Does paying a fine remove the ignition interlock suspension?

No. The suspension can only be removed by installing the device, completing the required monitoring period, and obtaining clearance from the court. There is no fine you can pay to skip this step. If someone tells you otherwise, they are attempting to defraud you.