Washington State requires installation of an Ignition Interlock Device as a mandatory DUI penalty for any DUI conviction.  The Department of Licensing will also require installation of the Ignition Interlock Device when requesting a Temporary Restricted License. 

An Ignition Interlock Device is an alcohol breath screening device that prevents vehicle operation upon detecting a certain sample amount of breath alcohol.  The Ignition Interlock Device is installed directly into the vehicle's ignition system.  Your vehicle will not start until you provide a breath sample for the Ignition Interlock Device.  If the Ignition Interlock Device detects alcohol your vehicle will not start. 

The Ignition Interlock Device will also require you provide breath samples while operating the vehicle at random intervals.  If the Ignition Interlock Device detects alcohol your vehicle will shut down shortly.  This prevents individuals from drinking while driving, or having sober friends provide the initial breath sample to start the vehicle. 

The Ignition Interlock Device will record every breath sample provided.  This information is downloaded every month by the Ignition Interlock Device installer.  These reports can be transmitted to any court or probation authority. 

Length of Ignition Interlock Device Installation

The State of Washington requires an individual convicted of DUI to install the Ignition Interlock Device for one year if the individual has not previously been required by a court to install the Ignition Interlock Device.  Installation of the Ignition Interlock Device begins upon driver license reinstatement.  If the court has previously restricted you to install the Ignition Interlock Device for one year, you must install the interlock device for five years.  If you were previously required to install the Ignition Interlock Device for five years, the court will mandate you install the Ignition Interlock Device for ten years. 

The Ignition Interlock Device is a restriction of your driver license privilege.  This requires you to install the Ignition Interlock Device on every vehicle you operate.  There are a few exceptions.  Please contact an attorney to discuss the narrow exceptions.

Obviously, you are required to pay for the installation and monitoring of the Ignition Interlock Device.  Installation and one year of monitoring can cost $800.00 to $1,000.00.