Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

dmv

Department of Motor Vehicles
 

DC Agency Top Menu

-A +A
Bookmark and Share

IID Program Frequently Asked Questions

DC DMV IID Program

FAQ Options


General

1. What is the Ignition Interlock Device Program (IID)?

The IID Program allows DC DMV to reduce the license revocation periods for first or subsequent alcohol/drug-related driving offenses. While participating in the IID Program, you will get a restricted DC DMV driver license (either a restricted REAL ID license or a restricted Limited Purpose license) and drive designated vehicles with installed ignition interlock devices. The restriction and conditions on your driver license and on your vehicle will remain in place for the period in which your driver license would have been revoked.

2. What is an ignition interlock device?

An ignition interlock is a device that is installed in a motor vehicle to prevent alcohol-impaired individuals from driving. Before starting the vehicle, you will be required to blow into the ignition interlock's mouthpiece to provide a breath sample for analysis. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the pre-set limit, the vehicle will not start. Once the vehicle is started, you may be required to submit additional breath samples at random times while the engine is running. Failing or not submitting a breath sample for one of these "rolling re-tests", will cause your vehicle lights and horn to sound. Keep in mind, the ignition interlock contains a data logger that records all vehicle activity, test results and violations.

3. What is the breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) level for the DC DMV IID Program?

The BrAC for the program is 0.020. Drivers must test below this threshold or their vehicle will not start and they will receive a program violation.

4. What if I have a Commercial Driver License (CDL)?

If you have a CDL, you are required to downgrade to a noncommercial driver license (NCDL) to participate in the IID Program.

5. Am I required to enroll in DC DMV's IID Program?

Any DC credential holder that is convicted of an alcohol/drug-related driving offense by a court or revoked administratively must participate in the IID Program.

Driving Under the Influence Citation
Before 12/19/2022
After 12/19/2022
Enrollment Optional Mandatory Enrollment
  • DC license holders who receive a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citation before 12/19/2022 have the option to enroll in the IID Program or serve their revocation period.
  • DC license holders who receive a DUI citation after 12/19/2022, enrollment in the IID Program is mandatory.
Refusal to Consent to Testing Citation
Before 3/16/2023
After 3/16/2023
Ineligible to Enroll Mandatory Enrollment
  • DC license holders who receive a Refusal to Consent to Testing citation before 3/16/2023 are ineligible to enroll in the IID Program.
  • DC license holders who receive a Refusal to Consent to Testing citation after 3/16/2023, enrollment in the IID Program is mandatory.

6. What does UPHELD mean on my hearing record for my alcohol/drug-related driving offense?

UPHELD is the decision made by the hearing examiner when they rule in favor of the revocation. This decision triggers mandatory enrollment within 30 days.

7. How much time do I get to enroll in the program before the revocation becomes effective?

Customers are given 30 calendar days to complete the enrollment process. The time clock starts the day after your revocation is upheld by DC DMV'S Adjudication Services. Eligible customers will receive a "Pending IID Program Enrollment Withdrawal Notice" informing them they have 30 calendar days to enroll in the program.

8. Instead of enrolling, can I just serve the revocation period for my offense?

No. Any DC credential convicted of an alcohol/drug-related offense by a court or revoked administratively holder must enroll in the IID Program before they can have their driving license reinstated. There is no “WAIT-OUT” period.

9. What happens if I exit the program before completion?

This will result in your license being revoked and vehicle registration(s) suspended and an additional one year will be added to the required enrollment period.

10. Are there a certain number of times that I must use the device or can I just have it installed and park my car for the required enrollment period?

Driver must submit a minimum of 20 test samples for 30 calendar days.

11. What is the restriction code on my license to indicate the IID requirement?

The restriction code is T. This indicates the driver must have an IID on any vehicle they are driving.

12. How many approved vendors are there for DC DMV's IID Program?

Currently, there are four approved vendors for the IID Program:

  1. Smart Start
  2. Alcohol Detection Systems
  3. Lifesafer
  4. RoadGuard/Draeger

13. Are there a certain number of times that I must use the device or can I just have it installed and park my car for the required enrollment period?

Driver must submit a minimum of 20 test samples for 30 calendar days.

14. If I have multiple vehicles, do I have to use the same vendor for every vehicle?

No. Customers are free to choose any DC DMV approved vendor they would like. They could have a different vendor for each vehicle as long as that vendor is approved.

15. What happens if I purchase a new car after I have enrolled in the IID Program?

Once that vehicle is titled and registered with DC DMV, the customer will have 30 days to have a device installed from one of our approved vendors. If a customer fails to have a device installed, the registration of that vehicle will be suspended until installation occurs. Failure to install also results in a program violation which will extend their time in the program.

16. What happens if I need to switch from one vehicle to another vehicle?

Customers that have to switch/replace vehicles will have five days to have a device installed in their new/other vehicle. Failure to install within the five days will result in a program violation.

17. How long will I be required to be in the program?

DUI Conviction
Revocation Period
1st conviction Six months
2nd conviction One year
3rd conviction or subsequent Two years
3rd conviction within five years Indefinite
Result to Consent to Testing
Revocation Period
1st refusal One year
2nd refusal Two years
3rd refusal Three years
3rd conviction within five years Indefinite

[back to top]

Enrollment

1. What is required to enroll in the DC DMV IID Program?

To enroll in the program, you must have:

  • Submit application and complete the violation and penalty agreement;
  • Enrolled or completed an approved substance abuse treatment program;
  • Pay associated DMV fees;
  • Obtain and maintain SR-22 Insurance; and
  • Have an IID installed in your vehicle(s) by an approved vendor.

2. Am I required to enroll in DC DMV's IID Program?

Any DC credential holder that is convicted of an alcohol/drug-related driving offense by a court or revoked administratively must participate in the IID Program.

DUI Citation
Before 12/19/2022
After 12/19/2022
Enrollment Optional Mandatory Enrollment
  • DC license holders who receive a DUI citation before 12/19/2022 have the option to enroll in the IID Program or serve their revocation period.
  • DC license holders who receive a DUI citation after 12/19/2022, enrollment in the IID Program is mandatory.
Refusal to Consent to Testing Citation
Before 3/16/2023
After 3/16/2023
Ineligible to Enroll Mandatory Enrollment
  • DC license holders who receive a Refusal to Consent to Testing citation before 3/16/2023 are ineligible to enroll in the IID Program.
  • DC license holders who receive a Refusal to Consent to Testing citation after 3/16/2023, enrollment in the IID Program is mandatory.

3. What is the application fee for the IID Program?

The application fee is $50.00 (non-refundable).

4. What happens if I do not enroll in the program within 30 calendar days of the decision?

Customers that fail to enroll within the 30 calendar days will have their driving license revoked and their vehicle(s) registration suspended until they enroll in the IID Program.

5. What happens to my enrollment if I am charged with a non-alcohol/drug related driving offense that results in a suspension or revocation?

If a driver that is enrolled in the program is charged with a non-alcohol/drug-related driving offense that results in a suspension or revocation, their enrollment in the program is paused while they serve that suspension/revocation. If they are not enrolled yet, they must wait until they finish the non-alcohol/drug-related driving suspension/revocation before enrolling.

6. What is the restriction code on my license to indicate the IID requirement?

The restriction code is T. This indicates the driver must have an IID on any vehicle they are driving.

7. How many approved vendors are there for DC DMV's IID Program?

Currently, there are four approved vendors for the IID Program:

  1. Smart Start
  2. Alcohol Detection Systems
  3. Lifesafer
  4. RoadGuard/Draeger

8. How long will I be required to be in the program?

DUI Conviction
Revocation Period
1st conviction Six months
2nd conviction One year
3rd conviction or subsequent Two years
3rd conviction within five years Indefinite
Result to Consent to Testing
Revocation Period
1st refusal One year
2nd refusal Two years
3rd refusal Three years
3rd conviction within five years Indefinite

9. How do I obtain SR-22 Insurance? What do I say to insurance providers?

You can obtain SR-22 Insurance from your current insurance provider or obtain a policy from another insurance provider. You would let the provider know that you're obtaining SR-22 Insurance to enroll in an IID Program. They may request the citation/case number of your conviction.

10. Do I need a different insurance policy for SR-22 Insurance?

You do not need a different policy for the SR-22 Insurance. You can reach out to your current insurance provider and let them know you need to obtain SR-22 Insurance. You also have the option of obtaining a SR-22 Insurance Policy from a different insurance provider than your regular provider.

11. How long am I required to maintain SR-22 Insurance?

Once obtained, you are required to maintain your SR-22 Insurance policy for three years from the date of conviction.

12. I have an identification card. Can I enroll in the IID Program?

If you have an identification card, you must take and pass the knowledge test and obtain a restricted learner permit in order to enroll into the IID Program.

13. What if I don’t own a vehicle registered in the District of Columbia?

If you do not own a vehicle that’s registered in the District, then you have the option of using another person’s vehicle as long as it has a valid District vehicle registration and they complete the supplement form of the application.

14. What do I do if I’ve been notified that I need to enroll in the DC DMV IID Program?

If you have been notified that you need to enroll in DC DMV's IID Program, you must do the following:

  1. Submit an application via the online portal.
  2. Submit the penalty and violation agreement.
  3. Obtain SR-22 Insurance.
  4. Provide proof of enrollment or completion in a state-certified drug and/or alcohol counseling program.
  5. Install an ignition interlock device in a vehicle registered in the District from one of the four approved vendors.
  6. Pay the $50.00 enrollment fee.

If you are unable to access the online portal, contact the IID Program team at [email protected].

[back to top]

Installation

1. What is required to enroll in the DC DMV IID Program?

An ignition interlock is a device that is installed in a motor vehicle to prevent alcohol-impaired individuals from driving. Before starting the vehicle, you will be required to blow into the ignition interlock's mouthpiece to provide a breath sample for analysis. If your BAC is above the pre-set limit, the vehicle will not start. Once the vehicle is started, you may be required to submit additional breath samples at random times while the engine is running. Failing or not submitting a breath sample for one of these "rolling re-tests", will cause your vehicle lights and horn to sound. Keep in mind, the ignition interlock contains a data logger that records all vehicle activity, test results and violations.

2. How many approved vendors are there for DC DMV's IID Program?

Currently, there are four approved vendors for the IID Program:

  1. Smart Start
  2. Alcohol Detection Systems
  3. Lifesafer
  4. RoadGuard/Draeger

3. How much does the installation cost and what are the service fees?

There is no fixed cost for an IID. Independent vendors determine the price, not DC DMV. Participants in the IID Program pay all costs to maintain and install the IID directly to the vendor they choose.

4. Does the ignition interlock device have to contain a cockpit camera?

Yes. All ignition interlock devices must contain a cockpit camera.

5. Do I have to install a device on every vehicle I am listed on as a registrant?

Yes. Any vehicle the driver appears on the registration must have an IID installed.

6. Are there a certain number of times that I must use the device or can I just have it installed and park my car for the required enrollment period?

Driver must submit a minimum of 20 test samples for 30 calendar days.

7. If multiple drivers use a vehicle that is enrolled in a program, do the non-program participants have to use the device?

Anyone that drives a vehicle that is enrolled in the program and equipped with an IID must use the device to operate the vehicle. However, the non-participants are not subject to program penalties.

8. Can I use a vendor in another state?

Yes. A customer can use any of DC DMV's approved vendors regardless of where they are located. The device must meet DC requirements: 0.020 threshold, cockpit camera and electronic reporting.

9. If I have multiple vehicles, do I have to use the same vendor for every vehicle?

No. Customers are free to choose any DC DMV approved vendor they would like. They could have a different vendor for each vehicle as long as that vendor is approved.

10. What happens if I purchase a new car after I have enrolled in the IID Program?

Once that vehicle is titled and registered with DC DMV, the customer will have 30 days to have a device installed from one of our approved vendors. If a customer fails to have a device installed, the registration of that vehicle will be suspended until installation occurs. Failure to install also results in a program violation which will extend their time in the program.

11. What happens if I need to switch from one vehicle to another vehicle?

Customers that have to switch/replace vehicles will have five days to have a device installed in their new/other vehicle. Failure to install within five days will result in a program violation.

[back to top]

Violations

1. Can my time in the program be extended?

Yes. Any violations committed while enrolled in the program will result in time being added to your requirement. The first violation equals 60 days added; second violation equals 90 days added; third and subsequent violations result in 120 days added.

2. Can I dispute a violation?

If your vendor reports any violations to DC DMV, a letter is sent to the address on record, notifying you of the IID violation and the extension of the IID requirement. To contest your IID violations, you can email or send a letter to DC DMV within 10 days of notice.

3. What happens if I exit the program before completion?

This will result in your license being revoked, vehicle registration(s) suspended and an additional one year will be added to the required enrollment period.

4. Are there a certain number of times that I must use the device, or can I just have it installed and park my car for the required enrollment period?

Driver must submit a minimum of 20 test samples for 30 calendar days.

5. What happens to my enrollment if I am charged with a non-alcohol/drug related driving offense that results in a suspension or revocation?

If a driver that is enrolled in the program is charged with a non-alcohol/drug-related driving offense that results in a suspension or revocation, their enrollment in the program is paused while they serve that suspension/revocation. If they are not enrolled yet, they must wait until they finish the non-alcohol/drug-related driving suspension/revocation before enrolling.

[back to top]

Implied Consent Law

1. What is the DC Implied Consent Law?

Any person operating a vehicle gives consent to provide chemical tests of their blood, urine or breath for the purpose of determining their blood alcohol level. If a person refuses to consent to testing, they shall be informed that failure or refusal to submit to testing will result in the revocation of their privilege to drive in the District of Columbia. If the person holds a driver license issued by the District, the person shall be informed that failure or refusal to consent to testing will require them to enroll in the IID Program. (see DC Official Code § 50-1905)

[back to top]