Can Your Ignition Interlock Requirement be Extended?

If you were convicted of or pleaded guilty to driving under the influence charges in Arizona, the court may have ordered you to equip your vehicle with an ignition interlock device. Installed in any vehicle you own or regularly operate, such devices require you to provide a breath sample before allowing the vehicle to start. Although typically required for a period of 12 months, certain situations may result in an extension to the time period for which you must have the device installed in your vehicle.

While operating your vehicle, your interlock device may require you to provide random samples. Failing and missing or turning your vehicle off in order to avoid having to give a breath sample may result in a violation of the terms of your requirement. In such cases, ADOT may extend your interlock requirement for an additional six months. Likewise, missing your 90-day calibration appointments also violates the terms of your interlock requirement. Should you fail to have your device calibrated, your interlock time frame may start over and you may have your driving privileges suspended.

Several types of violations may result in an extension of the ignition interlock period or cause the time you must have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle to restart. According to the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles, failed breath tests during the interlock requirement may lead to an extension. Ignition interlock devices prevent your vehicle from starting if the breath sample you provide contains 0.02% BAC or more, and they transmit violations to the department. A failed breath test sample may result in the initiation of a lockout period on your interlock device and a six-month extension of your interlock requirement period.

Tampering, circumventing, disconnecting, or otherwise removing a device before the end of your interlock requirement may also result in an extension of your interlock time frame. Attempting to tamper with or work around your interlock device may lead to a six-month extension of your interlock time frame, and it could also result in criminal charges. Should you attempt to disconnect your device or remove it from your vehicle before the end of your interlock time period, you may face a driver’s license suspension and your interlock time period may restart.