The Law
Pennsylvania’s Ignition Interlock Law requires an individual convicted of a second or subsequent offense of driving under the influence to have an approved ignition interlock system installed on each motor vehicle they own, operate, or lease for one year before they are eligible to apply for an unrestricted driver’s license. All DUI violations will be counted as prior offenses regardless of the date they occurred.
What is Ignition Interlock?
Ignition interlock is a device that is installed on motor vehicles to prohibit individuals under the influence of alcohol from operating the vehicle. Individuals are required to blow into the device before starting the vehicle. If the device detects alcohol, it will prevent the vehicle from starting. In addition, at periodic times during the operation of the vehicle, the driver will be prompted to blow into the device to ensure they are not under the influence.
Applying for an Ignition Interlock System/License
Thirty days prior to an individual’s restoration eligibility date, PennDOT will mail the individual a Restoration Requirements Letter. This letter includes an application for the Ignition Interlock License and a list of ignition interlock providers. The person should complete the application for the Ignition Interlock License and send it to PennDOT immediately. This license permits a person to only drive a vehicle equipped with an Ignition Interlock device.
Contacting an Ignition Interlock Installation Service Center
If the individual’s second or subsequent DUI violation occurred on or after September 30, 2003, they must contact an Ignition Interlock Installation Service Center. They must complete a DL-21SC form (Self- Certification of Vehicle(s) Owned/Operated) even if no vehicles are owned. The Ignition Interlock staff will verify this information by checking PennDOT’s vehicle database. Once it has been determined that the person does not own any vehicle(s) or has listed all vehicle(s) owned or leased and the device has been installed on all applicable vehicles, the information will be sent to PennDOT. If all restoration requirements have been met and the application for the Ignition Interlock License was received, PennDOT will restore the individual’s driving privilege and issue the Ignition Interlock License. Below is a list of PennDOT authorized Installation Service Centers (ISC) who carry the approved devices. All systems are leased from the ISC who determines the cost. The approximate cost to lease an ignition interlock system for a year is $1,000. Please note that this list is subject to change.
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
Keystone Smart Start ……………………………………………………………………1-800-880-3394
Pennsylvania Interlock …………………………………………………………………1-866-718-8606
Draeger Interlock, Inc. …………………………………………………………………1-800-332-6858
Allegheny County Ignition Interlock Program ………………………………………..1-412-931-6107
Employment Exemption
An individual, who holds an ignition interlock license and is required to drive an employer-owned vehicle for employment purposes, may have their employer complete a DL-3805 form (Ignition Interlock Employment Exemption Affidavit). The Employment Exemption Affidavit allows the individual to operate an employer-owned vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock system for employment purposes. The Employment Exemption Affidavit cannot be used to drive a school bus, school vehicle, or a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers; an employer-owned motor vehicle owned by an entity which is wholly or partially owned by the person holding the ignition interlock license or a employer-owned vehicle which is made available to the employee for personal use. The Employment Exception Affidavit must be completed in its entirety and be in the driver’s possession while operating an employer-owned vehicle not equipped with ignition interlock. Failure to possess the Affidavit will result in the individual being cited for driving without an ignition interlock.
Hardship Exemption
An individual who is required to install an ignition interlock system on all of their vehicles may apply to PennDOT for an economic hardship exemption. Pennsylvania’s economic hardship exemption is based on a person’s income level. To qualify for an economic hardship, an individual’s adjusted gross income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If an individual qualifies for an economic hardship, they are only required to install an ignition interlock system on one of their motor vehicles. The chart below lists the income levels an individual must meet to qualify for an economic hardship. If you are applying for a hardship exemption, you must take a copy of your most recently filed federal income tax return to the Installation Service Center.
Enforcement/Penalties
Individuals convicted of driving a motor vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device or tampering with an ignition interlock device is subject to fines and imprisonment. In addition, the individual’s ignition interlock period is extended for 1 year from the conviction date for the 1st offense. Second and subsequent offenses will result in a 1 year suspension. Upon restoration, the individual will be required to hold an Ignition Interlock license for one year plus the balance of the ignition interlock time that remained prior to the suspension being imposed.
Other Penalties
After the Ignition Interlock device is installed if a person fails to make their vehicle(s) available for maintenance to the Ignition Interlock Service Center, purchases a vehicle and fails to have the Ignition Interlock device installed or requests an unauthorized removal of ignition interlock prior to the eligibility date, the Ignition Interlock Service Center shall notify PennDOT. Upon notification, PennDOT will cancel the individual’s driving privilege until such time the individual is in compliance with the Ignition Interlock requirements.
Getting an Unrestricted License Back
Thirty days prior to being eligible to receive an unrestricted license, PennDOT will mail the individual an application to apply for an unrestricted license. From the date the Ignition Interlock License was issued until the individual receives an unrestricted license, they may not own, register, drive, operate or be in actual physical control of the movement of any motor vehicle which is not equipped with an ignition interlock system.
