1. Ignition Interlocks and the Model Guideline for State Ignition Interlock Programs
Maureen Perkins
Impaired Driving Division
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

2. What is an Ignition Interlock?
An ignition interlock is a device installed in a DWI offender’s vehicle that requires a breath sample from the driver before the car will start
If the breath alcohol content of the driver is above the set point, usually .02, it will not start

3. Benefits of Ignition Interlocks
Benefits the DWI offender
Reduction in recidivism among first and repeat offenders
Allowed to maintain driving privileges
Benefits families
DWI offender able to continue working
Effect of interlock on DWI offender’s drinking
Predictor of future DWI behavior

4. Who Pays for the Cost of Ignition Interlocks?
Fees are borne by the offender
Installation fee $70-$90
Monthly fee $70
Cost is roughly $3-4 a day
Indigency Funds
Eligibility criteria

5. Ignition Interlocks in Use
All States allow or require the use of ignition interlocks
There are an estimated 1.4 million DWI arrests each year
An estimated 305,000 interlocks installed

6. Types of Ignition Interlock Programs
Administrative- licensing agency requires as a condition of license reinstatement
Judicial – Courts mandate interlock either pre- trial or post-conviction
Hybrid- include features of both

7. Model Guideline for State Ignition Interlock Programs
Ensure consistent and effective interlock programs nationwide
Provide states with practical strategies based on successful programs in key program areas:
Legislation
Education
Program administration
Devices
Vendors
Data
Licensing

8. Legislative Require interlocks for all DWI offenders
Designate one agency with authority for the program
Eliminate barriers to enrolling in the interlock program
Minimize the ability for offenders to opt out
Establish the minimum length of time for offenders to be on the interlock

9. Education
Agencies involved with the interlock program should be educated about the device and the program
DWI offenders need to be trained in how to use the device, what the program rules are, and consequences for violations

10. Program Administration
One agency in charge
Ensure all offenders in the state have access to ignition interlock service providers
Establish eligibility for indigency funds
Plan and implement strategies to become self- sustaining
Establish rules on offender monitoring and program violations
Increase sanctions with multiple violations
Performance-based requirements for removal

11. Ignition Interlock Devices
Approval process for interlocks used in the state
Requirements to meet or exceed NHTSA model specifications
Testing procedures
Proposed modifications to the devices
Evaluate new technology

12. Vendors Create a vendor oversight and management plan
Define vendor violations
Methods of monitoring
Penalties
Violation definitions
Establish standards for licensing and operation of service providers

13. Data Ownership and security of the data
Roles and Responsibilities of Agencies
Where is the data housed
Submission of data
Who can access the data
Who is responsible for monitoring the data
Link data systems

14. Licensing
Require the ignition interlock restriction be marked on the license
Establish procedures to notify offenders of the requirement and status in the program
Coordinate with courts, offenders, and service providers
Establish reciprocity with other states

15. NHTSA Resources Ignition Interlock Toolkit
Ignition Interlock Curriculum
Model Specifications for Ignition Interlocks
Model Guideline for State Ignition Interlock Programs

16. Contact Information
Maureen Perkins National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave SE Washington, DC (202)