Ignition Interlock License (IIL)

On January 1, 2009, Washington State has initiated a new Ignition Interlock License Program, below is provided a summary of the Ignition Interlock License requirements. While we try to keep these pages updated, DUI law is constantly changing, the information is only provided as a guideline. For a proper evaluation of your specific situation, please contact us immediately.

An Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) is a type of restrictive license that allows you to drive vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device while your regular license is suspended or revoked for an alcohol-related Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Physical Control conviction/plea of guilty.

Qualifications

To be eligible for an IIL, your driving record must show that:

You have been arrested for, or convicted of, an alcohol-related DUI or Physical Control.
You have had a valid driver license.
You haven't been convicted of vehicular assault or vehicular homicide within 7 years before the incident for which you are requesting an IIL.
Your current suspension or revocation isn't for, or doesn't include, Minor in Possession, Reckless Driving reduced from an alcohol-related DUI, Vehicular Assault, Vehicular Homicide, or Habitual Traffic Offender.

Vehicles that require an interlock device

While driving with an IIL, you must maintain an interlock device on all vehicles you drive, including employer's vehicles you drive during work hours. You cannot drive a commercial motor vehicle while you have an IIL.

Work vehicles

If you drive vehicles owned by your employer during work hours, the vehicles must be equipped with an interlock device. However, this requirement may be waived if your employer signs an Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Waiver. You must send us a copy of the signed declaration before you drive your employer's vehicles, and you must carry a copy of the declaration with you whenever you drive a work vehicle that isn't equipped with an interlock device.

Getting an IIL

If your license has been suspended or revoked by the Department of Licensing:

Starting January 1, 2009, you may apply for an IIL at any time, including after being arrested or after your revocation hearing. When you get an IIL:

you waive the right to a hearing on your license suspension or revocation.
you must maintain an interlock device on all vehicles you drive for the remainder of the period of your suspension.

If ordered by the Court:

If you are convicted of a DUI or Physical Control the court must order you to apply for an IIL. If you don't own a vehicle, aren't eligible to receive an IIL, or ignition interlock devices aren't available in your area, the court may waive the IIL requirement and order you to undergo alcohol monitoring for the same period of time the interlock device would have been required.

If the Court....	You must maintain an ignition interlock device for:
Granted a Deferred Prosecution for an alcohol-related incident	2 Years
Convicted of DUI or Physical Control	1 year for a first offense 5 years for a second offense 10 years for subsequent offenses

How to apply for an IIL

Install an ignition interlock device in every vehicle you drive. The installer will send us proof that the devices have been installed.
Get proof of financial responsibility, such as a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22). An insurance agent can help you with this requirement.
Complete an Ignition Interlock Driver License Application.
Submit your completed application with a check or money order for the application fee:
- in person at any driver licensing office.
  OR
- by mail to: Driver Records
  Department of Licensing
  PO Box 9048
  Olympia, WA 98507-9048
The DOL will let you know in writing if your application has been approved or denied.

Fees and costs

You are responsible for paying all the IIL fees and interlock device costs, including:

the cost of installing, leasing, and removing an ignition interlock device.
the cost of maintaining proof of financial responsibility (usually as an insurance certificate).
the IIL application fee (non-refundable).
the monthly Ignition Interlock Device Revolving Account fee used to help low-income drivers with the cost of an interlock device.

Help for low-income drivers

You may be eligible for assistance if you cannot afford to pay the costs of installing, leasing, and removing an ignition interlock device in the vehicles you drive. To apply for financial help, complete and submit an Ignition Interlock Device Financial Worksheet. You may apply once each year.

FORMS YOU MAY NEED

The following forms may be useful to you during this process.