What States Require Ignition Interlock Devices?

It might surprise you to discover that there are no federal mandates for the installation of ignition interlock devices in the case of a DUI. In fact, interlock laws vary on a state-by-state basis. However, currently more than half of the states in the country require ignition interlocks for first-time DUIs. Discover what states require ignition interlock devices by checking out our latest blog post.

Understanding State Ignition Interlock Requirements

The landscape of ignition interlock device requirements has evolved dramatically over the past decade. What began as a tool primarily used for repeat offenders has expanded to become a standard requirement for first-time DUI offenders in most states. This shift reflects growing recognition of the effectiveness of ignition interlock devices in preventing drunk driving recidivism and saving lives.

As of 2025, the majority of states have implemented comprehensive ignition interlock programs that require installation for all DUI offenses, regardless of whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense. Understanding your state’s specific requirements is crucial for compliance and successful completion of your DUI penalties.

Federal Influence on State Laws

While there are no federal mandates requiring ignition interlock devices, federal agencies have played a significant role in encouraging state adoption:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Guidelines

Recommends all-offender ignition interlock laws for all states
Provides technical assistance for program implementation
Offers funding incentives for comprehensive programs

Federal Funding Incentives

Highway safety grants for states with all-offender laws
Additional funding for states that exceed federal recommendations
Support for program evaluation and effectiveness studies

Research and Data Support

Ongoing studies demonstrating IID effectiveness
Best practice guidelines for state programs
Technical standards for device certification

Categories of State Requirements

All-Offender States (34 States + DC):

These states require ignition interlock devices for all DUI offenses, including first-time convictions:

Early Adopters (2005-2010):

New Mexico (2005) – Pioneer in all-offender legislation
Virginia (2005) – One of the first East Coast adopters
Arizona (2007) – Comprehensive program with strong enforcement
Louisiana (2007) – Includes enhanced penalties for high BAC
West Virginia (2008) – Rural state with effective implementation

Second Wave (2009-2015):

Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, Washington (2009)
New York (2010) – Large state with complex implementation
Kansas, Oklahoma (2011)
Connecticut (2012) – Added after pilot program success
Maine, Tennessee (2013)
Alabama, Missouri, Mississippi (2014)
Delaware, Texas (2015)

Recent Adopters (2016-2019):

New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont (2016)
Nevada (2017) – Last Western state to adopt
Iowa (2018) – Midwestern expansion
Idaho (2019) – Completed Northwestern coverage

Discretionary States

States where judges have discretion for first-time offenders but may require IIDs based on circumstances:

California (pilot program in select counties)
Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky
Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana
New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio
Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin

The following states have automatic interlock rulings for any driver found guilty of operating a motor vehicle with a .08+ BAC. The interlock sentencing for first- and second-time offenses looks as follows:

Detailed State Requirements

Northeastern States

Connecticut (December 2012)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: 1 year minimum
High BAC (0.16+): Enhanced penalties
Hardship exemptions available for employment

Maine (December 2013)

First offense: 5 months minimum
Second offense: 2 years minimum
Voluntary installation can reduce license suspension
Rural area considerations for service access

New Hampshire (January 2016)

First offense: 1 year minimum (longest in region)
Second offense: Case-dependent extensions
No hardship exemptions for first offense
Strict compliance monitoring

Rhode Island (June 2016)

First offense: 1-12 months (judge discretion)
Second offense: 6-24 months
Income-based fee assistance available
Camera-equipped devices required

Vermont (July 2016)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: 18 months minimum
Environmental considerations for rural areas
Comprehensive monitoring program

Southeastern States

Alabama (July 2014)

Standard BAC (0.08-0.14): 90 days or license suspension alternative
High BAC (0.15+): 1-2 years mandatory
Second offense: 2-4 years
Strict tampering penalties

Delaware (January 2015)

First offense: 4-23 months (varies by BAC and circumstances)
Second offense: 22 months minimum
Comprehensive data monitoring
Advanced device technology required

Maryland (October 2016)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Participation in Ignition Interlock Program required
Extensive service provider network

Mississippi (October 2014)

First offense: 120 days minimum
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Rural service challenges addressed
Cost assistance programs available

Tennessee (July 2013)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: Case-dependent
Judicial discretion for extensions
Comprehensive violation tracking

Texas (September 2015)

First offense: 3-12 months (varies by county)
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Large state with regional variations
Extensive provider network

Virginia (January 2005)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Pioneer state with mature program
Strong enforcement mechanisms

West Virginia (July 2008)

First offense: 4-6 months
Second offense: 2 years minimum
Rural state adaptations
Effective compliance monitoring

Midwestern States

Illinois (January 2009)

First offense: 6-12 months
Second offense: 1-5 years
Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) program
Comprehensive monitoring and reporting

Iowa (July 2018)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Recent adopter with modern program structure
Emphasis on rural service accessibility

Kansas (July 2011)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Strong enforcement mechanisms
Effective violation response protocols

Missouri (March 2014)

First offense: 90 days minimum
Second offense: Circumstance-dependent
Shorter minimum period than most states
Focus on compliance rather than duration

Nebraska (January 2009)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Early adopter with proven track record
Rural service considerations addressed

Western States

Alaska (January 2009)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Third offense: 18 months minimum
Unique challenges due to geography and climate

Arizona (September 2007)

First offense: 6-12 months
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Comprehensive program with strong data collection
High compliance rates and effectiveness

Colorado (January 2009)

First offense: 8 months minimum (longer than most)
Second offense: 2 years minimum
Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD) program
Advanced monitoring technology

Hawaii (January 2011)

First offense: 12 months minimum
Second offense: 18 months minimum
Island geography creates unique service challenges
Effective inter-island coordination

Idaho (January 2019)

First offense: 12 months minimum
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Most recent all-offender adopter
Modern program incorporating best practices

Nevada (June 2017)

First offense: 90 days minimum (shortest in region)
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Recent adopter with streamlined program
Las Vegas area has extensive service network

New Mexico (June 2005)

First offense: 1 year minimum
Second offense: 2 years minimum
Pioneer state in all-offender legislation
Long track record of program effectiveness

Oregon (January 2008)

First offense: 6 months minimum
Second offense: 12 months minimum
Diversion program options available
Environmental considerations for device operation

Utah (July 2009)

First offense: 18 months minimum (among longest nationally)
Second offense: Case-dependent extensions
Strict compliance requirements
Low tolerance for violations

Washington (January 2009)

First offense: 1 year minimum
Second offense: 5 years minimum (longest for repeat offenders)
Comprehensive Ignition Interlock Program
Strong legislative support and funding

Special Circumstances and Enhanced Requirements

High BAC Penalties Many states impose enhanced requirements for elevated BAC levels:

0.15% BAC Threshold States:

Alabama: 1-2 years for 0.15+ BAC
Oklahoma: 18 months for 0.15+ BAC vs. 6 months for standard
Enhanced penalties reflect increased impairment and risk

0.16% BAC Threshold States:

Connecticut: Additional penalties and extended periods
Focus on highest-risk offenders

Minor Passenger Enhancements

States with enhanced penalties for DUI with minor passengers:

Extended IID periods (typically double standard requirement)
Additional criminal charges and penalties
Child endangerment considerations

Commercial Driver Requirements

Special provisions for commercial drivers:

Lower BAC thresholds (typically 0.04%)
Career impact considerations
CDL suspension implications
Employer notification requirements

Program Effectiveness and Outcomes

Recidivism Reduction States with all-offender laws show significant improvements:

15-69% reduction in repeat DUI offenses
Sustained behavior change during device use
Long-term safety benefits extending beyond program completion

Fatality Reduction

Measurable impact on drunk driving deaths:

7-15% reduction in alcohol-related fatalities
Greatest impact in states with comprehensive programs
Cumulative benefits as more states adopt all-offender laws

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Economic benefits of ignition interlock programs:

Reduced crash costs and property damage
Decreased criminal justice system burden
Healthcare cost savings from prevented injuries
Productivity benefits from reduced incarceration

Compliance and Monitoring Variations

Data Reporting Requirements States vary in their monitoring approaches:

Real-Time Monitoring States:

Immediate violation reporting via cellular technology
Faster response to compliance issues
Enhanced program effectiveness

Periodic Reporting States:

Monthly or bi-monthly data downloads
Lower technology costs but delayed violation detection
Traditional approach still used by some states

Violation Response Protocols

Different approaches to handling violations:

Immediate Response States:

Automatic extensions for any violation
Zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance
Higher program completion rates

Graduated Response States:

Warnings for minor violations
Progressive penalties for repeat issues
Focus on education and compliance assistance

Future Trends and Developments

Emerging Technologies Next-generation ignition interlock features:

Advanced biometric identification
Smartphone integration and apps
Enhanced GPS and location services
Improved user interfaces and accessibility

Legislative Trends

Ongoing developments in state laws:

Expansion of all-offender requirements
Enhanced penalties for high-risk offenders
Integration with other DUI prevention measures
Improved interstate coordination and reciprocity

Program Improvements

Continuous enhancement of existing programs:

Better service provider oversight
Enhanced training for installation technicians
Improved customer service and support
More effective violation response protocols

Are there states planning to adopt all-offender laws soon?

Several states continue to consider all-offender legislation, with advocacy groups and safety organizations pushing for nationwide adoption.

For comprehensive information about DUI laws and penalties, read about common ignition interlock device laws and learn what is a DUI. Stay updated on the latest legal developments by reading about DWI vs DUI differences.

At Low Cost Interlock, we operate in 30 states across the nation, with strong presence in California and New Mexico. Our experienced team is ready to provide you with exceptional service and support.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Requirements

Do all states require ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders?

No, but as of 2025, 34 states plus the District of Columbia require ignition interlock devices for all DUI offenses, including first-time convictions.

Which state was the first to require ignition interlock devices for all offenders?

New Mexico was the pioneer, implementing all-offender legislation in June 2005, followed closely by Virginia in January 2005.

What state has the longest ignition interlock requirement for first-time offenders?

Utah has among the longest requirements at 18 months minimum for first-time offenders, while New Hampshire requires 1 year minimum.

Can I choose which state’s program to participate in if I move?

No, you must participate in the program where you hold your driver’s license. If you move, you’ll need to transfer your program to the new state.

Do any states allow exemptions from ignition interlock requirements?

Some states allow limited exemptions for employer vehicles or extreme hardship cases, but these are rare and require court approval.

Which states have the shortest ignition interlock periods?

Mississippi (120 days), Missouri (90 days), and Nevada (90 days) have among the shortest minimum periods for first-time offenders.

How do states with discretionary laws typically handle first-time offenders?

Judges in discretionary states often consider factors like BAC level, presence of aggravating circumstances, and defendant’s history when deciding whether to order an IID.