If you are convicted of DUI, you will likely be required to get an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on your vehicle. Often, it is also a requirement if you want to get your unrestricted license back.
While all 50 states have ignition interlock laws in place, they have diverse requirements for first and succeeding DUI offenses. Although conditions can vary, what you can expect during your IID appointment is more or less standard.
The reason for this is simple: all states require that we meet or exceed the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) IID model specifications. At Interlock Install, one of our primary goals is to provide the level of customer service and quality we want for ourselves and our loved ones.
This means we also make sure the installation process is as straightforward and seamless as possible. Below are some of the things you can expect during a typical IID installation appointment:
Get Someone to Drive for You
When you schedule an IID installation appointment, you need someone who can drive you and your vehicle to the service station. You have to keep in mind that you are prohibited from driving any vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock device.
Typically the installation process takes an hour, including the device installation as well as calibration and training.
Since delivering efficient and top-notch service is our top priority, we also offer mobile services. For a small fee, we can perform the installation at a location that’s convenient for you.
The IID Installation Process
An IID is composed of two parts: a handheld device with a mouthpiece and an Electronic Control Unit or ECU. The ECU is wired into the vehicle’s starter while the handheld device is connected to the ECU. To ensure you get nothing but the best service from us, we solder all our wiring connections when installing an IID.
This is done to ensure you won’t experience any issues commonly associated with crimp connections or T-taps like intermittent connections or voltage drops. Unknown to many, voltage drops and intermittent connections can affect both your interlock and vehicle operations. By soldering all the wiring connections, you won’t have to worry about those issues anymore.
Calibration and Training
Once the IID has been installed successfully, the technician will specifically calibrate the device for you and anyone else who will drive the vehicle. You will be asked to breathe into the device until you have done it accordingly. This is crucial, so you can give an accurate sample.
You will also be provided an owner’s manual, so you will understand what the screen messages and the sounds mean. Ensure you also understand the program’s requirements so you will have a higher chance of completing it successfully.
During the installation process, you will also learn about the following:
- Maintenance visits
- Rolling retests
- Startup tests
- Troubleshooting tips
- Possible program violations (and how you can avoid them)
Maintenance Appointments
In most cases, you will be required to bring your vehicle for maintenance every month. Maintenance appointments will only take around 20 minutes. During the maintenance appointment, the device will be recalibrated when needed. You can also ask questions in case you encounter anything unusual.
For the state, the primary focus of maintenance appointments is to retrieve data. During your monthly visit, all the information your device has recorded will be retrieved and will be made available to your monitoring agency like your probation officer, the court system, or the DMV. If you are found violating the program, you will be required to report before your scheduled appointment.
Final Thoughts
At Interlock Install, we know that being charged with a driving offense is both daunting and stressful. To help you out, we want to make the IID installation process as easy and straightforward as possible. So, get in touch with us so we can help you complete your program and get you back on the road IID-free as soon as possible!
