What is the Ignition Interlock law? Any time a person has a second DUI within ten (10) years, Penn Dot, pursuant to Pennsylvania law, requires that the "habitual offender" place an interlock device on their car(s) prior to having their license restored. The interlock device disables the vehicle and prevents it from starting is a person blows into the device and registers a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02 or above. Once the vehicle is running, the device will require a person to provide another breath sample. If the BAC registers above the minimum level, the vehicle will not turn off, but it will turn on your headlights, windshield wipers etc...while also sounding your horn. As you can guess, the police will notice this and pull you over. Driving a vehicle in violation of this requirement or driving a vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock device are both new crimes for which there is a harsh punishment. Although there are a limited number of exceptions to the ignition interlock device requirement, you will be best served to retain a lawyer to obtain the exception for you. What is Ignition Interlock? It is a device that is installed on motor vehicles to prohibit individuals under the influence of alcohol from operating the vehicle. The individual must blow into the device before starting the vehicle. If the system detects alcohol, the car will not start. The individual may be prompted to blow into the device periodically while operating the vehicle. The Ignition Interlock system is leased through different providers. The individual is responsible for the cost of the system, which varies depending on the provider, but averages $1,000 per system. Failure to have the Ignition Interlock System installed results in the driver being ineligible to have their driving privileges restored for an addition one-year period. An individual will receive a suspension notice and ignition interlock information. 30 days prior to the eligibility date, the individual will receive a Restoration Requirements Letter which lists approved ignition interlock providers, as well as an application for an Ignition Interlock License. Forms Needed To Apply
In addition to the Restoration Requirements letter, an individual who qualifies for an Ignition Interlock license must fill out and return the following forms: • Application for an Ignition Interlock License/Return of Regular Driver License (DL-3731)
• Self-Certification of Vehicle(s) Owned/Operated (DL-21SC) These are also available at www.state.pa.us (click on the e-Government Services logo, click on Citizen Services, then select Driver and Vehicle Services, and click on ‘Forms’).
The Ignition Interlock License After restoration requirements are met, forms are completed, and a vendor has installed the approved device in each vehicle owned by the individual, the vendor will inform the Court, who will then send certification to PennDOT. PennDOT will then issue an Ignition Interlock License. The Ignition Interlock License has a red banner with the words “Limited License” contained within. A red map of Pennsylvania is located in the lower right corner, with “Ignition Interlock” inside the map. Fees The fee for Ignition Interlock License varies. The Restoration Requirements letter will include a list of installation service centers (ISC). There are currently seven approved ignition interlock systems to choose from. Listed below is a list of ISC’s who carry the approved systems. • Interlock Installation Services……………… ….1-800-452-1739
• Consumer Safety Technology, Inc……………..1-877-777-5020
• National Interlock, Inc……………………… ….1-866-342-4984
• American Interlock Services………… ……....1-877-273-2841
• Pennsylvania Interlock………………………….1-866-718-8606
• Draeger Interlock, Inc………………… ………..1-800-332-6858
• Allegheny County Ignition Interlock Program …1-412-931-6107
Individuals convicted in Allegheny County must call the telephone number listed above to have the device installed. The Ignition Interlock System can be installed on a vehicle owned by a family member, friend, or company for the defendant’s use. An individual whose job requires them to drive a company vehicle can only do so if the ignition interlock device has been installed on that vehicle. Anyone who uses that vehicle must go through the breath test to start the vehicle. Currently, there is no ignition interlock system for motorcycles. Unless the individual has the ignition interlock device installed on another vehicle, they will be ineligible for restoration for an additional year. An individual can have the ignition interlock device installed and apply for an Ignition Interlock License at any time during their additional one-year suspension. The device must remain on the vehicle for one year regardless of when the device is installed. Thirty days before the expiration date of the Ignition Interlock License the individual will receive an Application for Ignition Interlock License/Return of Regular Driver License (DL-3731) form in the mail to apply. TOP OF PAGE | 
