Ignition Interlock Program

The Ignition Interlock Program helps keep Maryland roads safe. It allows some drivers to keep driving — but only in a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device.

What is an ignition interlock device?

An ignition interlock is a camera-enabled device connected to your car’s ignition.

• You must blow into the device before starting your car. If your blood alcohol level (BAC) is over 0.025, the car will not start.
• The device will prompt random retests while you are driving. You do not need to pull over for a retest.
• The device records all activity and sends reports to the MVA.
• Your service provider checks the device every 30 days.

Who must join the program?

You may be referred to the program by the MVA, a court, or an Administrative Law Judge. Participation is required if you have:

• Probation Before Judgment or a conviction for DUI
• Probation Before Judgment or a conviction for DWI
• Homicide or life-threatening injury by motor vehicle while DUI or DWI

You may also choose the program instead of serving a suspension, if eligible.

Repeat offenders

A repeat offender is someone who gets two or more DUI convictions within 5 years. If this applies to you:

• Your license will be suspended for one year OR you may enroll in the Ignition Interlock program for a year.
• After the 1-year suspension, your license will be restricted for one additional year. During the restricted year, you may only drive vehicles with an interlock device installed.

Eligibility requirements

You may be eligible to join Ignition Interlock Program if:

• Your license is not already suspended, revoked, canceled, or refused, AND
• Within 30 days of your Order of Suspension, you:
  • Install an interlock device,
  • Turn in your license (or sign a statement), and
  • Enroll in the program with the MVA

Commercial drivers: If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must downgrade to a non-commercial license to participate.

How to join the program

Step 1: Prepare

Review all MVA notices you have received and confirm your eligibility. Be ready to pay fees required, you can review your options under 'Program cost' below.

Step 2: Install the device

• Call an approved Ignition interlock service providers to schedule installation.
• Get proof of installation from your provider (Form AJ-013).

Step 3: Enroll in the program

You can enroll:

• Online through your myMVA account, or
• In person at a full-service MVA office

You must:

• Bring Form AJ-013 (you'll receive this from your service provider) and any other enrollment documents, such as signed suspension order.
• Turn in your license (or sign a statement)
• Ask for an Interlock Restricted License

Step 4: Receive your restricted license

• Your new license is mailed to you
• It will show a “J” restriction code

What to expect while in the program

Driver monitoring

You must visit your service provider every 30 days. They send a report to the MVA that includes:

• Your name and vehicle information
• Any high BAC results
• Missed or failed retests
• Tampering or bypass attempts
• How often the car was used

Missing visits can lead to removal from the program or suspension or revocation of your license.

Understanding violations

Violations include but are not limited to:

• Not installing the device
• Missing monthly service visits
• Driving a car without an interlock device
• Not driving the car at least 50 times in a month or monitoring period.
  • Camera footage is reviewed to ensure YOU are driving the interlock equipped vehicle.
• Not paying required fees
• Tampering with or disconnecting the device
• Trying to start the car with BAC over 0.025
  • Some medicines and products contain alcohol. You are still responsible if they cause a violation.
• Skipping or failing a retest
• Getting another suspension or revocation
• Doing anything that puts road safety at risk

Program length

Your required time depends on your situation:

Time only counts after the device is installed and you get your restricted license within 30 days of installation. You must have no violations in the last 3 months to finish.

Time extensions & removal from the program

• Each month with a violation can add 30 days
• Some violations in the last 3 months can add 90 days
• Serious violations can get you removed from the program

If you are removed, you may:

• Ask for a hearing, or
• Re-enroll for the full original time after you turn in your license (or sign a statement) and serve a 30-day suspension.

To contest a violation, contact a MVA Driver Wellness & Safety case manager by phone or through your myMVA account. 

Things to avoid

To prevent violations, lockouts, or additional program time:

• Do not leave your car running
• Do not let your car sit unused for long periods
• Do not skip your monthly service visit
• Do not tamper with the device

Finishing the program & removing the device

1. Complete your required time (including any extensions)
2. Go to your service provider for a final data download
3. The MVA reviews your record
4. If there are no violations, you get a completion letter
5. Take the letter to an MVA office to remove the restriction
6. Then you may have the device removed from your vehicle

Drivers with an out-of-state license

Maryland law still applies if you are stopped in Maryland. If you are convicted, Maryland sends the result to your home state. Your home state decides what penalties apply to your license

Program cost

Costs vary by provider. You are responsible for all program costs, which include:

• A fee for an interlock-restricted license
• A fee for a corrected license when the restriction is removed
• An installation fee
• Monthly service fees

View all MVA fees on the Fees & Payment Options page.

Financial assistance

• The MVA may waive the $47 enrollment fee if you are on medical assistance or food assistance.
• Interlock providers must offer 50% off rental rates for people on assistance. Ask the provider directly about the reduced price.
• You can complete the Ignition Interlock Participation Fee Waiver Application (DC-212) - PDF - 79.65 KB.

Ignition interlock service providers

Each provider offers different features and support. Review their websites, and the chart below, to find the best fit for you.

Looking to become an approved service provider? Visit the Best Practices for MVA-Authorized Ignition Interlock Providers page for more information.

What all providers offer

All approved providers will:

• Install and service your device
• Install the device within 10 days of your request
• Offer 24-hour emergency support
• Offer 50% off for customers on assistance
• Offer accessibility options

Help for deaf or hard of hearing drivers

All providers must offer accessibility options, such as flashing lights, visual alerts, vibration alerts and LED warning signals. Training and closed-caption videos are available.

Tell the provider when you book your appointment, so they install the right equipment.