What Is an Ignition Interlock
An ignition interlock is a breath-testing device wired to your car's ignition that keeps it from starting if it detects alcohol.
What the device actually requires of you
- Breath test to start You blow into the device before the engine will start. If it reads alcohol above the set level, the car won't start at all.
- Rolling retests while driving The device asks for random retests while you're driving. Pull over safely when it prompts you, since ignoring it can count as a failed test.
- Regular monitor checks A shop downloads the device's data on a schedule to see your test history. Keep every appointment, since missed checks can be reported as a violation.
- Separate from your SR-22 The interlock and the SR-22 filing are two different requirements that often overlap. Confirm with the court or your license agency whether you need one, both, or either first.
- Cost you pay directly You typically pay the device maker for installation, monthly leasing, and removal, outside your insurance premium. Ask providers for the full schedule of fees before you choose one.
Does the interlock affect my car insurance rates?
Not directly. The interlock itself is not something insurers price into your policy, since it's a device you lease from a separate company, not a coverage feature.
What affects your rates is the DUI or DWI conviction that led to the interlock order, and the SR-22 filing that often comes with it. Insurers see the conviction on your driving record and price your policy around that risk, regardless of whether a device is installed in your car.
Over time, as the conviction ages and if you maintain continuous coverage with no further incidents, rates generally ease. The interlock requirement usually ends before that happens, since courts set it for a fixed period tied to the offense rather than to your insurance history.
Now that you know what the interlock covers and what it doesn't, compare SR-22 quotes with a clear head.
A driver sorting out interlock and insurance at the same time
Someone convicted of a first DUI was ordered to install an interlock and also told by the license agency that an SR-22 was required before driving legally again. At first they assumed the interlock company would handle the insurance side too, since both showed up in the same court paperwork. They called their insurer, found out the SR-22 was a separate filing the insurer had to submit, and called the interlock provider separately to schedule installation.
They kept both running at once, paying the interlock company directly for the device lease and paying the insurer for the policy with the SR-22 attached. When the court's interlock period ended, they had the device removed and the shop documentation filed with the court. The SR-22 requirement ran a bit longer on its own schedule, so they kept that policy active until the license agency confirmed it could be dropped. Keeping the two timelines separate in their head kept them from missing a step in either one.
The interlock and the SR-22 are two separate requirements with two separate clocks, not one bundled fix.
How long do I have to keep the ignition interlock installed?
The length is set by the court or license agency based on your specific offense, not by the interlock company or your insurer. Check your court order or license agency notice for the exact end date. Some jurisdictions let you apply to end it early with a clean record, so ask the agency directly whether that applies to you.
What happens if I fail a breath test on the interlock?
A failed test is logged by the device and reported to whoever is monitoring your compliance, usually the court or license agency. A single failure doesn't always mean immediate consequences, but repeated failures or a pattern of missed retests often triggers a review. Ask your provider and the monitoring agency what their specific threshold is, since it varies.
Can I get an interlock removed before my required period ends?
Sometimes, if the court or license agency allows early removal and you've met their conditions, such as a clean monitoring record. This isn't automatic anywhere, so you'd need to formally request it rather than just assume it's allowed. Check with the agency that ordered the interlock, since removing it without authorization can create new violations.
