Ignition Interlock Services

What is a Certified Ignition Interlock Device?

A Certified Ignition Interlock Device (CIID) is a breath-analyzing instrument installed in your vehicle that connects to the vehicle’s ignition system. The device includes a camera and GPS for monitoring compliance.

How it works:

1. You provide a breath sample before starting your vehicle
2. If your breath alcohol content (BAC) is 0.020 or higher, your engine won't start
3. While the vehicle is running, the device may randomly request additional breath samples
4. The device cannot turn off your car once started (for safety reasons)
5. All test results and violations are transmitted to MVD in real time

The camera captures an image each time you provide a breath sample.

Getting Started: Installation and Reinstatement

Your time with the device won't start counting until you've met all requirements, including any suspension timeframes, AND MVD has received your conviction notice—whichever happens last. Contact MVD before installation to confirm you’ve completed all requirements.

Step 1: Install your Device

You have 30 days from your conviction date to install your device and have the manufacturer electronically report it to MVD. Failure to comply may result in immediate license suspension.

• Choose an authorized provider in Arizona.
• Schedule installation with an Arizona certified provider.
• Your provider will ensure your device includes the required camera, GPS, and provide training on how to use the device. 

If you don't have a vehicle, your driving privileges remain suspended until your provider provides proof of installation. If you are using someone else's vehicle, some providers require written authorization from all vehicle owners before installation.

Step 2: Reinstate your Driving Privileges

After you start your time with the device, you may or may not need a new license depending on your situation:

If your current Arizona license was suspended: Your interlock requirements will automatically be added to your existing license. You don't need to get a new license.

If your license was revoked or you had a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL): You'll need to get a new Driver License.

You can reinstate through several methods:

• Reinstate online through AZ MVD Now (fastest option)
• Visit an MVD or Third Party office

If you are still under suspension, check our Restricted Driving Options. 

Vehicle and Driving Restrictions

Which vehicles can you drive?

You can only drive vehicles that have a certified ignition interlock device installed. This applies to:

• All vehicles you own
• Rental cars
• Work vehicles (including company vehicles you operate)
• Any other vehicle you drive for any reason

If you own multiple vehicles but can't afford devices in all of them, you can only drive the ones with interlock devices installed.

Who can drive your vehicle? 

Anyone can drive your interlock-equipped vehicle, but whoever is driving must provide their own breath sample.

• Note: If someone else blows into the device for you while you're driving, this is a violation and will result in an extension.
• If another person is driving your vehicle and causes a violation, contact your provider to ensure you didn't receive an extension.

Switching Vehicles or Manufacturers 

You have 72 hours to reinstall the device when:

• You change vehicles
• You switch to a different interlock manufacturer

Important: You cannot drive any vehicle during the 72-hour transfer period unless it has a certified interlock device installed. Driving without an installed device during this time could result in a criminal citation for driving without an interlock.

If you don't provide proof of reinstallation within 72 hours, your license will be suspended until you install a new device, and your entire interlock requirement will start over.

Special Situations

If your vehicle is sold, wrecked, or stolen: Contact your interlock provider immediately to discuss your options.

If you need vehicle service or repairs: Notify your provider before the work begins. While your device should keep its memory even if the battery is disconnected, changes in battery voltage may trigger a tampering alert and result in an extension of your requirement. Contact your provider for guidance on protecting your device during service.

Motorcycles: Contact providers directly for details.

Removal Eligibility and Process

Before removing your device, contact MVD to verify you're eligible for removal. Visit your AZ MVD Now account or call (602) 255.0072 to speak with a Level 2 Customer Service Representative. 

Understanding Violations

Violations can extend your interlock requirement by 6 months, 12 months, restart your entire requirement, or result in license suspension. MVD monitors all electronic reports from your provider and will notify you of any requirement extensions.

Violations that add 6 months to your requirement

Failed breath tests 

Your vehicle won't start if your BAC is at or over 0.020. You'll get a 6-month extension if you have:

• 2 tests at or over 0.080 during your entire requirement (if you're over 21)
• 1 failed test during your entire requirement (if you're under 21)

Missed rolling retests

• 3 consecutive refused or failed rolling retests while driving

Tampering or circumventing the device

• Disabling, disconnecting, or blocking the camera
• Having someone else blow into the device
• Any attempt to interfere with how the device works

Violations that add 12 months to your requirement

Driving without an interlock

• If you're convicted of driving a different vehicle that doesn't have an interlock installed, your requirement will be extended for one additional year after your original end date.

Violations that restart your entire requirement

Missed quarterly calibration

• Missing your required 90-day calibration will suspend your license and restart your time from the beginning

Early removal or switching violations

• Removing the device before your requirement ends will suspend your license and restart your time from the beginning
• Failing to reinstall the device within 72 hours when switching vehicles

Avoiding false positives

Many everyday products contain alcohol that can trigger the device. The device can detect alcohol from any source, not just alcoholic beverages. During installation training, ask your installer about common substances containing alcohol.

Prevention tips

• Check product labels for alcohol content (ethanol, methanol, propanol, isopropanol)
• Wait 10-15 minutes after using alcohol-containing products before driving to allow alcohol to dissipate
• Don't smoke, eat, or drink while operating an interlock-equipped vehicle
• Manufacturers recommend avoiding these activities while operating an interlock-equipped vehicle

If You Experience Failed Breath Samples

If you haven't consumed alcohol but get a failed breath sample, contact your manufacturer's customer service department for help.

You can also try retesting after a short period if you believe the product that caused a false positive is now cleared from your system.

If You Cannot Blow Into an Ignition Interlock Device

Contact an ignition interlock provider for options if you have a medical condition that prevents you from providing breath samples.

Violation disputes and hearings

If you receive notice of additional time for tampering, circumventing, or high BAC readings, first contact your interlock provider to verify report accuracy. MVD takes action based on information received from your provider. 

If your manufacturer cannot resolve the issue, request a hearing from the Executive Hearing Office. You must keep your interlock installed until the end of your original requirement period, even while waiting for a hearing. If you remove the device and the hearing decision isn't in your favor, you must reinstall at your own expense to begin any extension requirement. If you're still waiting for your hearing when the original period expires and keep the device installed, you'll be responsible for additional maintenance expenses.

Out-of-State Requirements

Arizona interlock requirements must be maintained regardless of where you live. Whether you're temporarily traveling or permanently relocated, you're responsible for ensuring compliance with Arizona law.

Living out of state permanently

If you live in another state and have an Arizona interlock requirement, contact an Arizona-authorized provider to locate an authorized service center in your state. The out-of-state installer must provide all services required by Arizona law and ensure MVD receives all required electronic reporting. 

Your responsibilities:

• Ensure your out-of-state provider submits all required electronic reports to Arizona MVD
• Work with your provider to schedule calibrations, even if you won't be in Arizona when due
• File a complaint if your provider refuses to provide appropriate reports to MVD

Temporary travel

You cannot drive rental cars or any vehicles without installed interlock devices. It's not permissible for you to drive a vehicle without a device installed or for rental companies to rent to you without one installed. Contact your provider for information about options.

Authorized Providers

Choose from these MVD-authorized companies for installation and monitoring. An MVD-authorized company must install your interlock. Contact providers directly for service areas and costs. If you have interlock requirements in multiple states, ensure your chosen manufacturer can satisfy all states simultaneously to avoid obtaining multiple devices.

Current providers

Costs

Cost varies by provider and possibly by service center. In accordance with state law, service providers collect $20 for each installed or transferred device. All other fees are established by the provider and service centers. MVD does not regulate or monitor fees above the $20 install fee.

Check provider websites or call their toll-free numbers for service availability in your area and associated costs.

Filing Interlock Complaints

Fee complaints 

Contact your provider directly for complaints about fees charged.

Service and device complaints

File a complaint online. Submit your complaint through our online complaint form. You'll need to provide your contact information, copies of relevant documents, and details about your complaint.

Mail your complaint. You can also mail your complaint with the required information to:

Motor Vehicle Division Ignition Interlock Unit P.O. Box 2100, MD 530M Phoenix, AZ 85001

Note: This feature is for filing interlock complaints ONLY. Any other complaints can be submitted through AZ MVD Now.

Get Help

Check your status: Log into AZ MVD Now to check compliance, fees, and eligibility

Contact MVD

• General questions: Visit our contact page
• Removal eligibility: Call 602.255.0072 and ask for a Level 2 Customer Service Representative.
• Hearing requests: Contact the Executive Hearing Office

Additional Resources

• Certified Ignition Interlock Device pamphlet
• Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License pamphlet

Remember: Installing your ignition interlock device and completing your requirements correctly helps you get back to normal driving. We're here to guide you through each step.