The State of Maryland allows drivers to voluntarily install an ignition interlock device (IID) on owned vehicles to avoid license suspension in the case of driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. The Court may also order the installation of an IID at its discretion. Repeat offenders within a 5-year time frame must install an IID or face license suspension. All IID-related costs are paid by the offender and the device must be serviced at regular intervals. Maintenance schedules are discussed when the device is installed by a state-approved service provider and must occur every thirty (30) days.
Offenders who have an IID installed need a restricted driver’s license reflecting their IID status. In order to receive a restricted license, individuals must submit both proof of IID installation and a current Maryland driver’s license. Maryland’s IID program also checks for “low start” violations, meaning the vehicle with the IID was started fewer than fifty (50) times in thirty (30) days. Every IID program violation adds another month onto the length of time the IID must be used. Once an offender reaches the fourth month of violations, all driving privileges are revoked or suspended.
The following information is recorded by the IID and reported to Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Association (MVA):
- Number of failed rolling re-tests
- Attempts to start vehicle without a breath sample
- High blood alcohol content
- Failure to provide rolling re-test sample
- Distance traveled by the vehicle
- Number of times vehicle was started and stopped