Can a Car With an Ignition Interlock Travel Out of State?

Whether you travel during the holiday season, to get away during summer or you have a work-related business trip, your car is your freedom to cross state lines into new experiences and adventures. If you have an ignition interlock device, you won’t be left out of the fun; just keep a few things in mind before you head out on the highway.

• As long as the restrictions on your license permit you to travel out-of-state, you should be okay with your DMV and/or the court.
• Your probation officer or ignition interlock reporting agency may need to know that you are traveling, so be sure to let them know your plans.
• If you have a service appointment scheduled and have to suddenly go out of town, contact your provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. You do not want to skip your appointment, no matter the reasons.
• If you need to have your service appointment in another state, that is usually possible, as long as your interlock provider has facilities for the device you have in the state you’re traveling to. Give them a call and arrange the out-of-state appointment before you leave.
• Don’t think that just because you are out of state, that you can circumvent your device or restriction. If you are caught driving without an interlock, or drinking and driving, you will face more consequences.

Cars with an ignition interlock can travel wherever they please, as long as the driver is able to leave the state. Any restrictions on traveling come down to what the court has ordered, or the guidelines of the DMV, not the vehicle or the interlock, itself. So, if you find yourself revving your engine for an epic road trip, or with some big business in your future, just be sure that you pay attention to the fine print of your conviction, and act accordingly. Your freedom to drive with an ignition interlock is not compromised by the distance or state lines, just your level of sobriety.