Failed interlock cases are predominantly failures for administrative reasons. Missed interlock calibration(s) for a variety of reasons can result in interlock cases failing. Interlock lockouts are reported to monitoring authorities but often reported to the wrong authority, even after a change of address has been advised. Devices are ordered for participants who do not drive the vehicle(s) in question. All of these situations can be avoided by setting out a clear administrative sequence and ensuring that the provider(s) ordered for the client(s) case(s) understand the administrative reporting requirements for the order(s) placed for the client(s) case(s).
Confirming the order’s terms before anything is scheduled
Typically, an Interlock Order outlines the terms and conditions of monitoring for a specific participant. This includes what type of device will be required for the participant to use while operating a vehicle, the length of time that the participant will be required to complete the Interlock Monitoring for, and who will need to be contacted in the event of any reported violations. So, it is very important to read through the terms and conditions of an Interlock Order prior to calling to schedule an appointment with a provider, to ensure that you are ordering the correct device, and that the provider that you are interested in using is listed as an eligible provider to complete the required services and complete any necessary installations.
Written consent from the registered owner of the vehicle in question will typically be required for a participant. Interlock companies refuse to install an interlock in a vehicle that is not owned by the participant in question. In many cases, interlock companies also refuse to install an interlock in a vehicle that is leased by the participant in question. Whether or not an employer exemption applies will typically need to be documented with the monitoring authority in question prior to installation of an interlock.
Documents to assemble in advance
- The restriction order, restricted license, or administrative notice showing the required monitoring period
- Vehicle registration and, where applicable, signed owner consent
- Proof of identity matching the name on the order
- Any employer exemption paperwork already approved by the monitoring authority
Selecting a certified provider and a suitable service center
Devices approved for use in one state may not be approved for use in another. Therefore, prior to selecting an IID and provider, make sure that the device and provider you are considering are approved for use in your state. For example, the current list of certified devices for the state of Virginia is located here. Similarly, the list of approved providers can be found here. Make sure to check for approval prior to relying on the provider’s marketing materials.
GEOGRAPHY CAN PLAY A BIG ROLE IN MONITORING INTERLOCKS. Many monitoring Interlock providers have many Service Centers. However, the Service Centers can be geographically far apart. For example, some Service Centers can be as far as 40 minutes apart from another Service Center. That can create problems for a participant, so anyone arranging an ignition interlock in Winchester, VA or any other area should confirm where that provider’s Service Center(s) are located before ordering the Interlock Monitoring.
Questions worth asking before committing
- How are data logs transmitted to the monitoring authority, and on what schedule
- What is the turnaround time for an emergency service visit
- Are calibration, lockout resets, and reporting fees itemized or bundled
- What happens to billing and monitoring if the participant relocates mid-term
The installation appointment and what gets calibrated on site
Typically, it takes about 1-2 hours to install an ignition interlock device in most vehicles. During the installation, the technician will wire the handset to the ignition of the vehicle. The technician will also set the retest interval, enter in the identifiers of the participant, and complete a functional test of the device. There are some exceptions for hybrid and push-button start vehicles. Some require additional time for the installation of the device. In some cases, a different method of wiring is required.
An Interlock Device requires a participant to be fully familiarized with its use prior to installation. The participant will be required to complete a training session where they will learn how to properly take a breath test sample and how to respond to rolling retest prompts. Participants will also learn when it is acceptable to pull over to a safe location and restart a test, for example after refueling. Most first 30 day reported violations are caused by technique errors and not because of a high blood alcohol content reading.
Servicing cycles, reporting, and the events that trigger review
Monitoring is conducted on a schedule. Here is a breakdown of the stages of monitoring and what a participant can expect during each stage of monitoring. The first missed window will become a violation report.
| Stage | Typical timing | What happens | Common failure point |
| Installation | Day one | Wiring, programming, participant training | Wrong device class for the order |
| Calibration visit | Every 30 to 60 days | Sensor accuracy check, data download, report filed | Missed window triggers permanent lockout |
| Violation review | As triggered | Authority reviews logs, may extend the term | Participant unaware of the reported event |
| Removal | End of term | Device uninstalled, final report issued | Removal before written authorization |
Reportable events participants underestimate
A variety of events are logged on an interlock such as failed startup tests, missing of rolling retests, tampering signals and unauthorized power disconnections. In addition, a mechanic may disconnect the battery for another repair and we would get a log entry for an unauthorized power disconnection. This is why it is very important that participants inform their interlock provider of any intended service work to the participant’s vehicle to ensure that any disconnections are logged and do not result in any violations.
Closing out the monitoring period cleanly
Removal of an interlock device from a vehicle requires written authorization from the monitoring authority. Even though an interlock device can be removed early from a vehicle by a licensed repair shop, removal of an interlock device can result in the clock being restarted or the participant being placed on additional restrictions. Therefore, a removal appointment should not be scheduled until written authorization has been received from the monitoring authority.
After the interlock monitoring period has been completed, many participants will apply for reinstatement of their driver’s license. Typically, written proof of completion of the term of interlock monitoring will be required as part of the application for reinstatement of a driver’s license.
Also Read | Tennessee Driver’s License Law 2026: What Drivers Need to Know About the New Rules
